Physical activity and life satisfaction of students of physiotherapy and physical education at the close of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Aim: To learn and compare their level of physical activity (PA) and motivation declared by physical education students and future physiotherapists, as well as to evaluate their life satisfaction in the final phase of the pandemic of the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: A survey study covered 211 respondents (106 students of physical education (PE) and 105 future physiotherapists). The anonymous survey consisted of standardized questions regarding the level and goals of physical activity (IPAQ-SF and IPAO) and life satisfaction (SWLS). Results: A high level of PA was demonstrated by 51.5% of men and 48.6% of women – 83.1% and 75.9% students of physiotherapy and physical education, respectively. Family was a determinant that did not motivate the students to take up physical activity. There was a better atmosphere in the professional environment encouraging physical activity in the group of PE students (3.19}1.28) than among future physiotherapists (2.82}1.28) (p<0.001). Future physiotherapists declared lower level of life satisfaction. In this group, the SWLS score was 23.5}5.95 compared to 25.4}5.45 among PE students. Conclusions: At the close of the COVID-19 pandemic, the specificity of PE and physiotherapy studies as well as gender are variables that had a significant impact on the resumption, type and motives for undertaking physical activity and improving life satisfaction. PE students’ perception of the importance of physical activity is more pronounced than that of future physiotherapists, which is a strong enough factor to increase their life satisfaction.