Quality of life of professional athletes and physically active peers: A comparative study

Abstract

Quality of life (QoL) is defined as individuals' perceptions of their position in life in the context of the culture and the value systems in which they live, and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards, and concerns. It is a multidimensional concept that represents an individual's overall satisfaction with his or her life and general sense of well-being. Regular physical activity, i.e. sport offers numerous health benefits and research has demonstrated that individuals can benefit from it whether they participate in vigorous exercise or some type of moderate health-enhancing physical activity, and thus enhance their QoL. The main objective of this research was to examine and compare the QoL of 23 male professional soccer players and 26 male PE students, aged 17-35. Their baseline characteristics (age, body height and mass, and body mass index) were established, as well as their QoL (all of four domains: 1. physical health, 2. psychological health, 3. social relationships, and 4. environment) which was assessed by WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. The data were analyzed (descriptive statistics, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, independent samples t-test) using SPSS 21.0, and the obtained results showed the absence of statistically significant between-group differences (p>0.05). However, slightly higher QoL values (domain 1: 17.44 vs 16.9; domain 2: 16.98 vs 16.44; domain 4: 16.04 vs 15.56) were recorded in professional soccer players; only in the case of domain 3 (social relationships) PE students scored better (16.5 vs 16.17). Overall, both samples are satisfied with their QoL and general health (soccer players: 16.61, PE students: 16.46), which could indicate once more indisputable benefits of sport and physical activity in general.