Impact of physical activity on body composition and physical fitness: A comparative study on university athletes and non-athletes

Abstract

The physical activity levels of university students are decreasing daily due to academic burden and society’s modernisation. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between physical activity, body composition, and physical fitness among university students. The research was carried out in 2024 with a sample totalling N = 354 students, n = 286 (80.8% male), aged 19–27, and n = 68 (19.2% female), aged 19 to 27 (22.84 ± 2.60 in total). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to quantify physical activity levels. Furthermore, the IN-F500 body composition analyser was used to determine body composition. The Hand Grip Test (muscular strength), the Push Up Test (muscular endurance), the Sit and Reach Test (flexibility), and the Harvard Step Test (cardiorespiratory fitness) were utilised to assess physical fitness. Male athletes exhibited higher levels of physical activity, possessed a lower fat mass%, and had superior physical fitness. Overall, fat mass% showed statistically significant inverse correlations, whereas skeletal muscle mass%, moderate physical activity, and vigorous physical activity showed positive correlations with physical fitness. No significant correlations were found between low physical activity and physical fitness. This study suggested that universities to include high-intensity physical activity including muscular fitness, speed, and agility in to fitness programs.