Studying the commitment to physical activity of medical university students

Abstract

The basis of a healthy lifestyle is not only the rejection of bad habits, but also an increase in physical activity (FA). The importance of FA for medical university students is due to the fact that their future profession involves promoting a healthy lifestyle, including FA, among the population. The purpose of the study included studying the FA of medical university students in different courses of study. An online survey of 306 medical university students was conducted using a Scale of Exercise Benefits/barriers. It was found that a greater number of benefits from physical education and a smaller number of barriers were revealed in 1st-year students and a progressive change in this ratio in older students. The analysis of the FA of medical students revealed that 1st year students devote more time to physical activity (sports) in comparison with undergraduates. The main reason for the low FA among students is the lack of free time. During the COVID-19 pandemic, with the transition to online education, students noted a decrease in FA and dissatisfaction with physical education in remote mode. Based on the data obtained, it was concluded that in order for medical students to adequately provide counseling to their patients in the future, medical universities should develop programs that stimulate medical students to greater FA.