The Impact of Recreational Sports on the Physical Fitness 
of University Students in Dongguan

Xiangfei Zhu; Yanqing Yan; Jidong Lin*

doi:10.70711/mhr.v2i7.7447

The Impact of Recreational Sports on the Physical Fitness of University Students in Dongguan

Xiangfei Zhu, Yanqing Yan, Jidong Lin*

Abstract

Background: As the pace of modern life accelerates, university students are increasingly concerned with maintaining physical
health. Leisure sports, characterized by voluntary participation and low entry barriers, have shown potential in improving health-related
physical fitness (HRPF). However, empirical studies exploring these effects among Chinese university students remain limited. Methods: A
cross-sectional survey was conducted among 400 undergraduate students from universities in Dongguan, China. Data were collected using a
structured questionnaire covering exercise participation, awareness, motivation, satisfaction, and perceived physical fitness. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression were employed to identify influencing factors. Results: Significant differences were observed
across gender, academic year, ethnicity, and chronic disease history. Male students reported higher exercise satisfaction (M=3.75, SD=0.76)
and physical fitness (M=3.73, SD=0.73) than females (P=0.01). Juniors outperformed other academic years in both satisfaction (M=4.02,
SD=0.53) and fitness (M=4.07, SD=0.52) (P<0.001). Regression analysis revealed that exercise satisfaction was the strongest positive predictor of physical fitness (?=0.62, p<0.001), while verbal encouragement (?=?0.13, p=0.01), ethnicity (?=?0.12, p<0.01), exercise type (?=?0.08,
p=0.04), and intrinsic motivation (?=?0.10, p=0.04) were significant negative predictors. The model explained 49% of the variance in physical
fitness (R=0.49, F=23.36, p<0.001). Conclusion: Leisure sports play a critical role in enhancing the physical fitness of university students,
particularly when exercise satisfaction is high. Tailored interventions considering gender, academic level, ethnic background, and health status
are recommended to promote greater participation and improve health outcomes.

Keywords

Leisure sports; Physical fitness; University students; Exercise satisfaction; Regression analysis

Full Text:

PDF

Included Database

References

[1] Wang, J., The association between physical fitness and physical activity among Chinese college students. Journal of American College

Health, 2019. 67(6): p. 602-609.

[2] American College of Sports Medicine, A., ACSMs health-related physical fitness assessment manual. 3rd ed., ed. P. Leonard A. Kaminsky, FACSM, et al. Vol. 8th ed. 2009. 2010: Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data. 7-189.

[3] Asztalos, M., et al., Sport participation and stress among women and men. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 2012. 13(4): p. 466-483.

[4] Warburton, D.E. and S.S.J.C.J.o.C. Bredin, Reflections on physical activity and health: what should we recommend? Canadian Journal

of Cardiology, 2016. 32(4): p. 495-504.

[5] Chen, X., et al., The association between BMI and health-related physical fitness among Chinese college students: a cross-sectional

study. BMC Public Health, 2020. 20: p. 1-7.

[6] Ministry of Education of the Peoples Republic of China, M. Ministry of Education on the Issuance of the National Student Physical Fitness Standard (Revised 2014). 2014 [cited 2023 17th October 2023].

[7] Warburton, D.E., C.W. Nicol, and S.S.J.C. Bredin, Health benefits of physical activity: the evidence. Cmaj, 2006. 174(6): p. 801-809.

[8] Caldwell, L.L.J.B.J.o.G. and Counselling, Leisure and health: why is leisure therapeutic? British Journal of Guidance & Counselling,

2005. 33(1): p. 7-26.

[9] Lee, I.-M., et al., Effect of physical inactivity on major non-communicable diseases worldwide: an analysis of burden of disease and life

expectancy. The lancet, 2012. 380(9838): p. 219-229.

[10] Westcott, W.L.J.C.s.m.r., Resistance training is medicine: effects of strength training on health. Current sports medicine reports, 2012.

11(4): p. 209-216.

[11] Cowen, V.S., T.B.J.J.o.b. Adams, and m. therapies, Physical and perceptual benefits of yoga asana practice: results of a pilot study.

Journal of bodywork and movement therapies, 2005. 9(3): p. 211-219.

[12] Donnelly, J.E., et al., Appropriate physical activity intervention strategies for weight loss and prevention of weight regain for adults.

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2009. 41(2): p. 459-471.

[13] Kljajevi?, V., et al., Physical activity and physical fitness among university studentsA systematic review. International journal of environmental research and public health, 2021. 19(1): p. 158.

[14] Memarian, A., et al., The effect of laughter yoga exercises on anxiety and sleep quality in patients suffering from Parkinsons disease.

Biomedical research and Therapy, 2017. 4(07): p. 1463-1479.

[15] Mutz, M., A.K. Reimers, and Y.J.A.R.i.Q.o.L. Demetriou, Leisure time sports activities and life satisfaction: Deeper insights based on a

representative survey from Germany. Applied Research in Quality of Life, 2021. 16(5): p. 2155-2171.

[16] Kovcs, K.J.J.o.C.S.R.R., Theory and Practice, A survey of the interrelation between sports and persistence among students in five countries. Journal of College Student Retention: Research, Theory & Practice, 2022. 23(4): p. 1018-1041.

[17] Griffiths, K., et al., Sport and physical activity habits, behaviours and barriers to participation in university students: an exploration by

socio-economic group. Sport, Education and Society, 2022. 27(3): p. 332-346.

[18] American College of Sports Medicine, A., ACSMsguidelines for exercise testing and prescription. American College of Sports Medicines guidelines forexercise testing and prescription | Guidelinesfor exercise testing and prescription, ed. D.R. associate and J.K.E. editors, GaryLiguori, MeirMagal. 2018: Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data https://lccn.loc.gov/2016042823. 7-189.

[19] Gabriel, K.K.P., et al., Framework for physical activity as a complex and multidimensional behavior. Journal of Physical Activity and

Health, 2012. 9(s1): p. S11-S18.

[20] Molanorouzi, K., S. Khoo, and T. Morris, Validating the physical activity and leisure motivation scale (PALMS). BMC public health,

2014. 14: p. 1-12.

[21] Pi, L.L., C.M. Chang, and H.H. Lin, Development and Validation of Recreational Sport Well-Being Scale. Int J Environ Res Public

Health, 2022. 19(14): p. 8764-8779.

[22] Abadie, B.R., Construction and Validation of a Perceived Physical Fitness Scale. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 1988. 67(3): p. 887892.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.70711/mhr.v2i7.7447

Refbacks

There are currently no refbacks.