Sitting Behavior and Physical Activity of College Students

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to provide a baseline assessment of sitting behaviors and physical activity among college students in a physical activity and wellness course. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to measure the physical activity and sitting behaviors of college students. Independent t-tests and ANOVAs were conducted to analyze differences in college students' physical activity and sitting behavior based on demographic information. Findings indicated that males were more active than females in the following areas: moderate activity during leisure time, vigorous activity at work, and total vigorous activity. Females reported significantly more time spent sitting than males during the week and on the weekends. Based on this research, there seems to be a need for two concurrent goals relating to health promotion: 1) increasing physical activity, and 2) decreasing prolonged sitting behaviors. Recommendations for practice include revising health curriculums, training health professionals, and gaining stakeholder and leadership support.