Young adults’ physical activity and physical function: 12 months follow up

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The knowledge about university students generally demonstrates that they do not meet current recommendations for Physical Activity (PA). However, PA and Physical Fitness are not an indicator for Physical Function (PFn), being PFn a separate construct that is related to movement skill proficiency.

AIM: To analyze the rate of changes in PFn accessed by the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) and PA levels (sports and leisure) in a group of Sport Science university students after one year.

METHOD: 41 men (22.3±5.7years) and 22 women (20.7±0.9years) participated in this research. The data were collected in the first month of the academic year and after 12 months in the following order: Baecke Habitual Physical Activity Questionnaire, anthropometrics, and FMS.

RESULTS: PFn assessment, from baseline to second assessment, revealed significant changes in Trunk Stability Push-up (p=0.003; ES=0.656) and total score (p=0.026; ES=0.497) for women and in Deep Squat (p=0.003; ES=0.334) for men. No significant changes were found in women PA levels. Men decreased in leisure PA (p=0.002; ES=0.538) and total PA (p=0.003; ES=0.519).

CONCLUSION: Sports Science university students’ daily routines may mediate physical activity patterns with following physical function improvements or decrements, occurring due to contextual environments that over-or under-produce the stimulation required to develop those skills.