Introduction
Physical inactivity is a significant public health concern, particularly among undergraduate university students. The World Health Organization recommends 150–300 minutes of moderate or 75–150 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week. However, many students fail to meet these guidelines, leading to increased health risks. A recent systematic review titled Strategies and Best Practices That Enhance the Physical Activity Levels of Undergraduate University Students: A Systematic Review explores effective interventions to address this issue.
Key Findings
The review identified several strategies and best practices that can effectively enhance physical activity (PA) levels among university students. These include:
- Utilizing social media platforms and mobile applications to engage students in PA activities.
- Implementing web-based technologies and online text messaging to promote PA.
- Incorporating in-person classes and "exergames" to increase PA engagement.
These strategies are supported by validated questionnaires and objective measures like accelerometers to track PA levels.
Best Practices for Implementation
The systematic review highlights the effectiveness of technology-based interventions in promoting PA among students. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, along with mobile applications, have proven to be effective in engaging students. These platforms offer a familiar and convenient way for students to participate in PA activities.
Exergames, which combine video gaming with physical exercise, offer an innovative approach to increasing PA levels. By making exercise more entertaining, exergames can appeal to students who may not be inclined towards traditional exercise routines.
Challenges and Recommendations
While these strategies show promise, the review also identifies challenges such as low attrition rates and the reliance on self-reported data. To address these issues, it is recommended that future interventions:
- Incorporate follow-up observations to maintain the positive effects of PA interventions.
- Utilize objective measures to accurately assess PA levels.
- Integrate PA interventions into the university curriculum to increase participation.
Conclusion
The systematic review provides valuable insights into effective strategies and best practices for enhancing PA levels among university students. By leveraging technology-based interventions and social media platforms, universities can promote health-enhancing physical activities that align with current trends and student preferences.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Strategies and Best Practices That Enhance the Physical Activity Levels of Undergraduate University Students: A Systematic Review.
