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The aim of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to assess physical activity and sedentary behavior levels in first-year university students and to explore their association with obesity and musculoskeletal health risk indicators. Physical activity and sedentary behavior were assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), while body mass index (BMI) was used to classify weight status. Sedentary behavior was interpreted as an indirect indicator of musculoskeletal risk. Understanding these behavioral patterns may help identify at-risk profiles and inform non-invasive prevention strategies in university populations.
Physical inactivity and prolonged sedentary behavior are recognized risk factors for obesity and musculoskeletal health problems, particularly in young adults exposed to long periods of sitting during academic activities. University students represent a population vulnerable to lifestyle-related health risks during the transition to higher education.
This retrospective observational study analyzed previously collected data from first-year university students enrolled at Universidad Rey Juan Carlos between September 2023 and June 2024. Physical activity and sedentary behavior were assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), which evaluates activity across work, transportation, and leisure domains. Body mass index was calculated from self-reported height and weight and classified according to World Health Organization criteria.
The primary objective of the study was to describe physical activity and sedentary behavior patterns and to examine their associations with obesity and indirect indicators of musculoskeletal risk. No intervention, treatment, randomization, or follow-up procedures were performed as part of this study.
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| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Activity Level (Total MET-minutes per week) | Physical activity assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), including work, transportation, and leisure domains. Total physical activity was expressed as MET-minutes per week. | Retrospective assessment during the academic year 2023-2024 |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Sedentary Behavior | Self-reported daily sitting time assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and interpreted as an indirect indicator of musculoskeletal health risk. | Retrospective assessment during the academic year 2023-2024 |
| Body Mass Index (BMI) |
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Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
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First-year university students enrolled at Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid (Spain)
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| Facility | Status | City | State | ZIP | Country | Contacts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Universidad Rey Juan Carlos | Madrid | Spain |
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Body mass index calculated as weight (kg) divided by height squared (m²) and classified according to World Health Organization criteria. |
| Retrospective assessment during the academic year 2023-2024 |
| Physical Activity Risk Categories | Classification into low, moderate, or high physical activity levels based on World Health Organization GPAQ thresholds. | Retrospective assessment during the academic year 2023-2024 |
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D057185 | Sedentary Behavior |
| D009765 | Obesity |
| D050177 | Overweight |
| D009043 | Motor Activity |
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D001519 | Behavior |
| D044343 | Overnutrition |
| D009748 | Nutrition Disorders |
| D009750 | Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases |
| D001835 | Body Weight |
| D012816 | Signs and Symptoms |
| D013568 | Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms |
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