Self-reported physical activity and sedentary behaviour amongst UK university students

A cross-sectional case study

Datos Bibliográficos

ID15295351
AutoresCharlie J Roberts (0000-0002-4683-4006, University of Northampton, autor de correspondencia), Declan J Ryan (0000-0003-1769-3248, University of Northampton), J A Campbell (0000-0002-1820-6758), Jackie Campbell (0000-0002-1456-7994, University of Northampton), Jack Hardwicke (0000-0002-1152-0920, Nottingham Trent University)
Año2024
Volumen34
Número1
Páginas1-17
Fecha de publicación2024-04-18
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaCritical Public Health (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0958-1596 • E-ISSN: 1469-3682
EditorialTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/09581596.2024.2338182
OpenAlexW4394931781
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas2
Referencias citadas49

Background: This cross-sectional study investigated self-reported physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour amongst UK university students.Methods: An online survey was completed by 590 students at a higher education institution in the UK to obtain both quantitative and qualitative data on PA levels and experiences, knowledge and adherence to PA guidelines, and sitting time.Results: Considerable numbers (37%) were estimated to not meet the 150-min moderate-vigorous intensity weekly PA guideline and 56% did not meet strength-based activity guidelines.Just under half (48%) reported experiencing barriers to PA at university, with females, sexual minority students, white ethnicity students, those reporting lower levels of PA, and undergraduate students being more likely to report experiencing barriers.Respondents reported financial reasons, time and stress being the most influential barriers to PA, regardless of demographics.Average reported sitting time on weekdays was 8 h. Conclusions:The results indicate that a large proportion of our sample of UK university students did not meet PA guidelines, experience barriers to engaging in PA, and demonstrate sedentary behaviour that has been associated with negative health outcomes.The article discusses these findings and practical considerations are offered for personnel working within universities as well as directions for future research

Cross-sectional study · Environmental health · Physical activity · Physical therapy · Sedentary behavior · Eating Disorders and Behaviors · Medicine · Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet · Physical Activity and Health · Psychology · Gerontology