Physical Activity Patterns of College Students of the University of Santo Tomas

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined the physical activity patterns of the University of Santo Tomas college students in Manila, Philippines in terms of participation in moderate to vigorous physical activity, frequency and duration of participation, METS-min/week, sitting habits and walking activities. Methods: A total of 551 males and 850 female college students (N=1401) from the University of Santo Tomas were randomly selected for the study. After anthropometric measurements (height, weight, BMI and Waist circumference) were taken, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (short form) was answered by the students. Results: A greater percentage of male college students engage in vigorous physical activity (66.97%) in terms of frequency per week (2.42 + 1.56 days), duration (119.52 + 70.70 minutes) and MET-min/week (2252.77 + 2789.81 METS). On the other hand, more female college students engage in moderate physical activity in terms of frequency per week (4.69 + 2.04 days). However, male college students who engage in moderate physical activity spend a longer duration (106.02 + 108.55 minutes) and higher METmin/week (1945.59 + 2721.02 METS) than their female counterpart. Conclusion: It is important to engage in physical activity on a daily basis, with recommendations given by the American Heart Association and the World Health Organization. Appropriate physical activity assists young people to develop healthy musculoskeletal tissues, cardiovascular system, neuromuscular awareness and maintain a healthy body weight and composition. It has also been associated with psychological benefits in young people by improving control over anxiety and depression, good selfperception and expression, as well as avoidance of tobacco, alcohol and drug use.

MyFitnessPal smartphone application: relative validity and intercoder reliability among dietitians in assessing energy and macronutrient intakes of selected Filipino adults with obesity

“…To prevent memory bias, they were instructed to use MyFitnessPal every meal and to use the paper-based food diary at the end of the day. Additionally, participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) 10 11. Participants were advised not to alter their normal diet and physical activity for the study.…”

“…Estimated EE was the product of physical activity level (PAL) and Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). PAL was estimated from the IPAQ 10 11. BMR was estimated for each participant using Harris-Benedict Energy Equation 21…”