Physical exercise, sedentarism and well-being of portuguese university students

Abstract

Physical activity is considered a positive health behavior, with the influence of physical exercise on the well-being and quality of life of university students being widely recognized and that the lifestyles acquired during the academic period are likely to be maintained throughout life. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between physical exercise, sedentary behavior and the well-being of students from an university in northern Portugal. This cross-sectional study involved 840 students (55.4% female). Data collection was conducted using a survey validated, self-administered questionnaire composed by Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire to measure physical activity, to which was added an item concerning sedentary behavior and the WbHPS (Well-being Health Perception Scale) to measure well-being. The practice of physical exercise; well-being and health perception are correlated, indicating that sedentary students revealed a lower level of well-being and health perception. The items that most contribute to the low scores of the scale in sedentary university students are the perception of health and satisfaction with physical fitness. This study highlights the importance of physical exercise in promoting students' well-being, showing that higher education institutions should not be limited to the development of professional skills, but include strategies that promote holistic development, including practice of physical exercise.