Physical exercise in higher education: Knowledge, attitudes and practices

Sedentary behaviours have been associated with the emergence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes or hypertension. Conversely, regular physical activity has a leading role in promoting a healthy lifestyle, as evidenced by the numerous physical, psychological and social benefits. This study includes a systematic review of studies on knowledge, attitudes and physical activity of college students, which included declared criteria of eligibility. In general, in order to measure physical exercise, students should be essentially asked about the frequency (in number of days per week) of moderate, vigorous and light exercise, and the number of hours spent sitting. Scales of attitudes should address items that include lack of energy; lack of motivation; lack of resources; lack of support and lack of time. The scales of knowledge about physical exercise should include items about the recommendations about the practice of physical exercise and the relation between physical exercise and diseases. The current review, 1) provides guidelines for the construction of standardized measurement scales related to knowledge, attitudes and practice of physical exercise. And, 2) the main results presented can help in the elaboration of programs of education and promotion of the physical exercise in the university. ; Foundation for Science and Technology-FCT (Portuguese Ministry of Education and Science) (SFRH/BD/120758/2016). Portuguese national funds through the FCT (Foundation for Science and Technology) within the framework of the CIEC (Research Center for Child Studies of the University of Minho) project under the reference UID/CED/00317/2019