Physical Activity as a Non-Invasive Strategy to Address Obesity and Musculoskeletal Risk in First-Year University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in Spain

Status

Completed

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Observational

Source

ClinicalTrials.gov

Registry ID

NCT07392593

Enrollment

821

Registered

2026-02-06

Start date

2023-09-01

Completion date

2024-06-01

Last updated

2026-02-06

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Obesity & Overweight, Physical Inactivity, Sedentary Behavior

Keywords

Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, Obesity, Musculoskeletal Health

Brief summary

The aim of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to assess physical activity and sedentary behavior levels in first-year university students and to explore their association with obesity and musculoskeletal health risk indicators. Physical activity and sedentary behavior were assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), while body mass index (BMI) was used to classify weight status. Sedentary behavior was interpreted as an indirect indicator of musculoskeletal risk. Understanding these behavioral patterns may help identify at-risk profiles and inform non-invasive prevention strategies in university populations.

Detailed description

Physical inactivity and prolonged sedentary behavior are recognized risk factors for obesity and musculoskeletal health problems, particularly in young adults exposed to long periods of sitting during academic activities. University students represent a population vulnerable to lifestyle-related health risks during the transition to higher education. This retrospective observational study analyzed previously collected data from first-year university students enrolled at Universidad Rey Juan Carlos between September 2023 and June 2024. Physical activity and sedentary behavior were assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), which evaluates activity across work, transportation, and leisure domains. Body mass index was calculated from self-reported height and weight and classified according to World Health Organization criteria. The primary objective of the study was to describe physical activity and sedentary behavior patterns and to examine their associations with obesity and indirect indicators of musculoskeletal risk. No intervention, treatment, randomization, or follow-up procedures were performed as part of this study.

Interventions

None listed

Study design

Observational model

OTHER

Time perspective

CROSS_SECTIONAL

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

ALL

Age

18 Years to No maximum

Healthy volunteers

Yes

Inclusion criteria

* First-year university students enrolled at Universidad Rey Juan Carlos * Availability of complete GPAQ data

Exclusion criteria

* Incomplete GPAQ data

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame	Description
Physical Activity Level (Total MET-minutes per week)	Retrospective assessment during the academic year 2023-2024	Physical activity assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), including work, transportation, and leisure domains. Total physical activity was expressed as MET-minutes per week.

Secondary

Measure	Time frame	Description
Sedentary Behavior	Retrospective assessment during the academic year 2023-2024	Self-reported daily sitting time assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and interpreted as an indirect indicator of musculoskeletal health risk.
Body Mass Index (BMI)	Retrospective assessment during the academic year 2023-2024	Body mass index calculated as weight (kg) divided by height squared (m²) and classified according to World Health Organization criteria.
Physical Activity Risk Categories	Retrospective assessment during the academic year 2023-2024	Classification into low, moderate, or high physical activity levels based on World Health Organization GPAQ thresholds.

Countries

Spain

Outcome results