Physical activity patterns of college students of the University of Santo Tomas.

Reil Vinard Espino; Consuelo Gonzalez-suarez; Karen Leslie Pineda; Stephanie Ann Balid-attwell; Kristina Devora; Diane Mendoza

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Physical activity patterns of college students of the University of Santo Tomas.

Author: Reil Vinard Espino ¹ ; Consuelo Gonzalez-Suarez ¹ ; Karen Leslie Pineda ¹ ; Stephanie Ann Balid-Attwell ¹ ; Kristina Devora ² ; Diane Mendoza ³
Author Information

1. Center for Health Research and Movement Science, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
2. Department of Physical Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
3. Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, College of Education, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: physical activity patterns; emerging adults; metabolic equivalents; sitting habits; anthropometric measurements; international physical activity questionnaire
From: Philippine Journal of Allied Health Sciences 2020;3(2):36-46
CountryPhilippines
Language:English
Abstract: OBJECTIVES:This study examined the physical activity patterns of the University of Santo Tomas college students in Manila, Philippines in terms of participation in moderate to vigorous physical activity, frequency and duration of participation, METS-min/week, sitting habits and walking activities.
METHODS:A total of 551 males and 850 female college students (N=1401) from the University of Santo Tomas were randomly selected for the study. After anthropometric measurements (height, weight, BMI and Waist circumference) were taken, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (short form) was answered by the students.
RESULTS:A greater percentage of male college students engage in vigorous physical activity (66.97%) in terms of frequency per week (2.42 + 1.56 days), duration (119.52 + 70.70 minutes) and MET-min/week (2252.77 + 2789.81 METS). On the other hand, more female college students engage in moderate physical activity in terms of frequency per week (4.69 + 2.04 days). However, male college students who engage in moderate physical activity spend a longer duration (106.02 + 108.55 minutes) and higher METmin/week (1945.59 + 2721.02 METS) than their female counterpart.
CONCLUSION:It is important to engage in physical activity on a daily basis, with recommendations given by the American Heart Association and the World Health Organization. Appropriate physical activity assists young people to develop healthy musculoskeletal tissues, cardiovascular system, neuromuscular awareness and maintain a healthy body weight and composition. It has also been associated with psychological benefits in young people by improving control over anxiety and depression, good selfperception and expression, as well as avoidance of tobacco, alcohol and drug use.
Full text:Physical activity patterns.pdf