Level of Physical Activity Engagement Among College Students

Table 2 shows the level of physical activity engagement among college students as

analyzed according to types, frequency, intensity, duration, and total length focused on

the 300 students enrolled in the University of Mindanao Digos College. Overall, the

physical activity engagement among 300 college students obtained a mean of 3.06

(SD=0.85), It denotes "moderate" suggesting that college students frequently engage in

physical exercise. Moderate physical activity refers to a level of exertion that is higher

than what is typically associated with daily activities but not as intense as vigorous

exercise. It falls within a moderate intensity range, providing health benefits without

being overly strenuous. The American Heart Association and other health organizations

often recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week for

adults. Smith (2020) The results showed that a significant number of students said they

participated in regular physical activity. In particular, 65 percent of the participants said

they engaged in moderate-to-intense physical exercise at least three times a week,

exceeding or surpassing the suggested each day for physical activity. Furthermore,

80% percent of the students said they worked out at least once a week. World Health

Organization (WHO ) further highlights how standard recommendations of 150 min of

MVPA or 75 min of VPA per week, or a combination of both, can still be achieved even

at home, with no special equipment and with limited space.

Table 2. Level of physical activity engagement among college students, n=300

x̄ SD
Types 3.77 0.97

Frequency 3.00 1.18

 Intensity 3.33 0.96

Duration 2.51 1.17

TotalLength 2.71 1.26

PAOverall 3.06 0.85

Types. The first indicator in Table 2 in terms of types acquired a mean of 3.77

(SD= 0.97) which means, high, implying that physical activity engagement is frequently

observed among college students. This result was justified that students engaging in

diverse activities such cardiovascular exercises such as walking, biking, jogging,

swimming, aerobics, basketball, softball, badminton, etc. Flexibility exercises such as

weight training, squats, push-ups, etc.

This finding supported by Orcajada (2022) stated that teenagers between the

ages of 12 and 16 can improve their physical fitness and body composition by engaging

in physical exercise that supports an active lifestyle. The findings also imply that

engaging in certain physical activities as part of our every day routines is essential.

Variety ensures that different muscle groups are addressed and overall fitness is

increased, whether it is through strength training with weights, running or swimming for

aerobics, or doing yoga for flexibility World Health Organization (2018). Additionally,

Ge's (2019) research revealed that students with higher levels of physical fitness and

physical activity demonstrate improved health-related quality of life.

 Frequency. On the other hand, the second indicator as reflected in Table 2 had a

mean of 3.00 (SD=1.18) This signifies, moderate, denoting that physical activity

engagement is sometimes observed among college students. On the itemized results,

this was indicated that students engaging in diverse activities such as sports, fitness

classes, or outdoor recreation during a week for about 4-5 days a week.

The significance of physical activity involvement for people of all ages and

backgrounds is highlighted by these statistics. It includes a range of physical activities,

sports, and leisure pursuits that encourage mobility, raise fitness levels, and improve

general well-being. The World Health Organization suggests that persons between 18

and 64 should perform at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical

activity (PA) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity PA per week. These findings are backed

by the WHO. Additionally, it is advised to engage in muscle-strengthening activities two

or more days a week (World Health Organization [WHO], 2010). The UK Department of

Health and Social Care (Department of Health and Social Care [DHSC], 2019) has

accepted the same guidelines. Walking quickly, riding a bicycle, and other similar

activities are considered moderate aerobic exercises. Physical activity and

cardiorespiratory health are directly correlated, according to a study by Zahrt, O. H., &

Crum, A. J. (2020); however, significant risk reductions can only be attained with 150

minutes a week of moderate to vigorous exercise. Further health advantages are noted

when physical activity levels rise to 300 minutes per week or higher.

Intensity. As can seen in Table 2 indicator 3, disclosed its mean of 3.33

(SD=0.96) which indicates, moderate, suggesting that physical activity engagement is

sometimes observed among college students. The itemized results revealed that

students moderately participate in physical activity.

Adults should engage in 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity,

75–150 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity, or an equivalent combination of

moderate-intensity and vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, per week, according

to a study (World Health Organization 2020 guidelines on physical activity and

sedentary behavior). An average of 60 minutes per day of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic

physical activity spread out over a week is beneficial to children's and teenagers' health.

All age groups should engage in frequent muscle-strengthening exercises, according to

the guidelines. Furthermore, it is advised that sedentary behavior be decreased for

people of all ages and abilities, even though there is not enough data to determine a

threshold for sedentary behavior. The Physical Activity Guideline for America state that

the majority of 60 minutes of physical activity should consist of either moderate- or

vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity and should include vigorous-intensity

physical activity on at least three days a week. Additionally, muscle- and bone-

strengthening activities should also be a key component of these activities. To add on,

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans "recommend that children and

adolescents ages 6 through 17 years should do 60 minutes (1 hour) or more of

moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily." Unfortunately, self-reported data from

American high school students shows that the percentage of adolescents who meet the

recommended level of physical activity—60 minutes or more per day—was only 27.1%

nationwide, declining from the 9th (31.0%) to the 12th (23.5%) grades Piercy, K. L.,

(2018). Kim, Sukwon; Song, Ji Hwan; Ho Hyun Song. (2021). Merely 33% of teenagers
meet the suggested objective of engaging in physical activity for at least 60 minutes

daily. Thompson, D. L., and Howley, E. T. (2022). To attain the benefits of moderate-

intensity physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), vigorous (hard) exercise

must be performed three to four days a week for 30 to 45 minutes a day, which is the

same as jogging or running about (3 to 5 km) 3 to 4 days per week. According to

Costigan, S. A. (2019), there was a stronger correlation in females than in males

between intense physical activity and negative affect. The results emphasize how

crucial it is for teenagers to participate in intense physical exercise to increase positive

affect and decrease negative affect.

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