Sadra Medical Journal

Investigation of the Relationship between Physical Activity Level and Body Mass Index in the Students of Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences

Document Type : Short Communication

Authors

shahin goharpei
khadijeh Gayemahvaz
zahra alipour
niloufar Malekmirzaei
mostafa Farhang

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Abstract
Regular physical activity plays an important role in individuals’ physical and mental health. Organized physical activity also reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, and stroke. Nonetheless, physical inactivity is one of the fundamental problems in modern societies. This study aimed to assess the relationship between physical activity level and Body Mass Index (BMI) in the students of Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences. In this cross–sectional study, 134 students living in dormitories were selected through simple random sampling. The study data were collected using Beak’s physical activity questionnaire. Then, the data were entered into the SPSS statistical software and analyzed using Pearson correlation test. The students’ means of physical activity and BMI were 7.7+1.19 and 21.47+3.08, respectively. Accordingly, most of the students had moderate physical activity (70.1%) and normal BMI (70.9%). The results revealed no significant correlation between physical activity and BMI (r=0.08, P=0.34). The study results indicated that most of the students had moderate level of physical activity and normal BMI. Considering the students’ role in public health and the negative effects of inactivity, they are recommended to follow regular and effective programs to increase their physical activity. Further studies are also suggested to be conducted on the reasons for students’ limited physical activity.

Keywords

Physical activity
Body mass index
Students
Sadra Medical Journal
Volume 2, Issue 3
Summer 2014
Pages 299-306

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