Correlation of Physical Activity Level with Physical Fitness and Respiratory Function amongst Undergraduates

Abstract

Information regarding correlations between physical activity (PA) level with physical fitness (PF) and respiratory function (RF) amongst undergraduates is limited. We aimed to determine the difference in PA level, PF and RF between genders amongst undergraduates. In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 62 undergraduates, with mean age of 22.09 ± 1.13 years, from the Kuala Lumpur Campus, University Kebangsaan Malaysia. PA level was evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and expressed as metabolic equivalents (METs). PF was evaluated using a hand-grip strength test and a 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) test. RF, which included FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC, was measured using a spirometer. About 45.16 and 40.33 % of undergraduates had high to moderate levels of physical activity, respectively. Males had significantly higher scores of METs compared to females, with p < 0.01. Males had significantly higher hand-grip strength compared to females, with p < 0.001. Higher FEV1 and FVC were found in males in comparison to their counterparts, with p < 0.001. Females had significantly higher FEV1/FVC compared to males, with p < 0.01. There were significant correlations between PA level with left hand-grip strength (r = 0.364, p < 0.01), right hand-grip strength (r = 0.264, p < 0.05), FEV1 (r = 0.423, p < 0.01), and FVC (r = 0.452, p < 0.01). Our findings suggest that an increase in physical activity level may lead to an increase in physical fitness and respiratory function. Higher levels of physical activity should be promoted among healthy young adults for improved physical fitness and respiratory function during their study at universities. HIGHLIGHTS Physical activity level with physical fitness and respiratory function amongst undergraduates There were correlations between physical activity level with hand-grip strength, FEV1 and FVC Increase in physical activity level may lead to an increase in physical fitness and respiratory function Higher levels of physical activity should be promoted to improve physical fitness and respiratory function amongst undergraduates during their study at universities