The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of physical activity level on postural control in obese and overweight Spanish adult males. Forty-three males aged between 25 and 60 years old were included. Anthropometric, body composition, and physical activity variables were assessed, and postural control was evaluated using the Sensory Organization Test. No correlation was found between the level of physical activity and postural control, assessed by the Sensory Organization Test within the whole sample. However, within the group with a higher total fat mass percentage, non-sedentary individuals presented improved scores on the somatosensory organization test when compared to sedentary individuals (96.9 ± 1.8 vs. 95.4 ± 1.2; p < 0.05) and poorer scores on the composite equilibrium score (73.4 ± 7.2 vs. 79.2 ± 6.9; p < 0.05). The altered integration of somatosensory inputs most likely affects the tuning, sequencing, and execution of balance strategies in sedentary men with a high total fat mass percentage.

The transition of students to the university stage is a critical period in which there are numerous changes that could influence their lifestyles. The aim of this research was to analyse the levels of physical activity and the types of motivation for physical activity among university students according to gender. A quantitative, descriptive, and cross-sectional survey methodology was used. A total sample of 3060 university students, 47.8% women and 52.2% men, with a mean age of 20.88 ± 2.01 years was recruited. The sampling margin of error was ±1.85%. The short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and the third version of the Behavioural Regulation in Exercise Questionnaire were used to evaluate MVPA and motivations to exercise, respectively. Two-way ANCOVA and a mediation analysis were performed. The most relevant results show that less than half of the university men and women are considered physically active. Furthermore, when analysing the interaction between motivation and gender, a large effect in identified motivation (F = 65.03; p≤ 0.001) and integrated motivation (F = 324.58; p ≤.0.001) and a medium one intrinsic motivation (F = 169.39; p ≤ 0.001) was found. Therefore, women university students have lower levels of physical activity practice than men students and show higher external motivation and demotivation.

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of anthropometric variables, body composition variables and fat distribution on the postural control of sedentary Spanish males. 39 males aged between 25 and 60 years old, with a body mass index between 18 and 35 kg/m2, a stable body weight (no weight gain or loss of 2 kg or more in the last 3 months), and a level of physical activity classified as sedentary or low active (PAL <1.6 via accelerometer) were included in the study. Anthropometric variables (weight, height, body mass index and waist and hip perimeters), body composition variables (fat mass, lean mass and bone mass), body mass distribution (legs, android and total) and postural control were evaluated. A correlation was found between most of the anthropometric and body composition variables, assessed via the Somatosensory ratio of the Sensory Organization Test. Furthermore, individuals with a low percentage of leg and android fat mass presented improved scores when compared to those with higher percentages (97.05±2.66 vs. 95.84±1.64 and 97.00±2.61vs 95.83±1.69, respectively; p<0.05). Sedentary males with a greater body mass index and a higher percentage of leg fat mass and android fat mass are more proprioceptively challenged for maintaining balance. Resumen. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la influencia de las variables antropométricas, de composición corporal y de distribución de la grasa en el control postural de varones españoles sedentarios. Se incluyeron en el estudio 39 varones de entre 25 y 60 años, con un índice de masa corporal entre 18 y 35 kg/m2, un peso corporal estable (sin ganancia o pérdida de peso igual o superior a 2 kg en los últimos 3 meses) y un nivel de actividad física clasificado como sedentario o poco activo (PAL <1,6 mediante acelerómetro). Se evaluaron variables antropométricas (peso, altura, índice de masa corporal y perímetros de cintura y cadera), variables de composición corporal (masa grasa, masa magra y masa ósea), distribución de la masa corporal (piernas, androide y total) y control postural. Se encontró una correlación entre la mayoría de las variables antropométricas y de composición corporal, evaluadas a través de la ratio Somatosensorial del Test de Organización Sensorial. Además, los individuos con un bajo porcentaje de masa grasa en piernas y androides presentaron mejores puntuaciones en comparación con aquellos con porcentajes más elevados (97,05±2,66 vs. 95,84±1,64 y 97,00±2,61vs 95,83±1,69, respectivamente; p<0,05). Los varones sedentarios con un mayor índice de masa corporal y un mayor porcentaje de masa grasa en las piernas y masa grasa androide tienen más dificultades propioceptivas para mantener el equilibrio.