Study of nursing students physical activity levels

Background: Numerous connections between physical activity (PA) and health clearly indicate that nowadays conscious and purposeful PA is essential. Aim of the study: To determine PA levels reported by University nursing students and to indicate the dominant activity areas. Material and methods: A diagnostic survey which included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short Form (IPAQ) was used to examine 419 students of nursing. Results: The reported total PA of the students under investigation was 3443.9 MET-min/week. Walking activities were the dominant area of PA (mean = 1557.6 MET-min/week), whereas vigorous activities were the least common. Compared to women, men accumulated higher values of MET-min/week in the area of total PA and its components, with the exception of vigorous activities. Significant differences in PA were only shown when place of residence was factored in. Conclusions: The IPAQ showed that one in four participants demonstrated high levels of PA. More than one-third of the respondents did not meet the criteria for moderate or high activity levels, thus exhibiting low levels of PA. The participants from urban areas were more active than those from rural areas. Out of the three areas of PA (vigorous, moderate and walking), walking was the most dominate activity.