Fit for life: examining the role of physical activity in the well-being of Filipino university students
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https://doi.org/10.17979/sportis.2026.12.2.12611Abstract
This study explored the relationship between students’ engagement in physical activity and their overall well-being. Employing a quantitative research design, particularly descriptive correlation, the study investigated how lifestyle behaviors relate to psychological health in the academic context. A total of 335 students were selected as respondents through simple random sampling, ensuring equal representation and unbiased participation. Standardized instruments were utilized, including the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) by Craig et al. and the WHO-5 Well-being Index, both of which demonstrated acceptable reliability indices. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to determine levels of physical activity and well-being, while Pearson correlation was employed to test the relationship between the two variables. Results revealed that most students reported low to moderate physical activity, while the majority maintained favorable well-being, though a significant portion displayed lower levels. Furthermore, analysis confirmed a significant positive relationship between physical activity and well-being, suggesting that higher engagement in physical activity is associated with better psychological health. These findings imply that student well-being cannot be separated from lifestyle behaviors, emphasizing the role of physical activity as a determinant of resilience, vitality, and academic success. The study concludes that fostering holistic development among students requires recognizing the interconnectedness of health and education, contributing valuable insights to the broader discourse on student flourishing in higher education.
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References
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