OBSERVATIONAL ANALYSIS OF EXERCISE PARTICIPATION, PREFERENCES AND PATTERNS AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

University students are particularly prone to adopting sedentary tendencies. Numerous surveys suggest that the shift to university studies is frequently linked with diminished exercise behavior and heightened sedentary conduct due to lifestyle alterations.

Aims and Objectives: This study assessed findings in university students' exercise preferences, patterns, and participation.

Material and Methodology: This investigation constituted a cross-sectional study involving 1500 university students. Data was chosen by simple random sampling from four universities in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Informed consent was procured from all individuals, underscoring the voluntary nature of their participation. Following participant recruitment, a demographic survey was administered, including information such as age, academic major, and exercise history. It used a customized questionnaire for Exercise Participation, Patterns, and Preferences as a data collection tool. The findings were analyzed by using SPSS.

Results: The study's findings revealed that over half of the students exercise regularly. Walking, competitive outdoor activities, running, and cycling are the most popular forms of exercise, with many students exercising multiple times a week, often outdoors. Students access information on exercise benefits from academics. The p-value for the Association of Gender with Exercise Participation is 0.000.

Conclusion: There is a significant engagement in physical activity among university students, and efforts should be made to address the barriers faced by those who are inactive.