Barriers to physical activity among university students are influenced by both psychosocial dynamics and body composition characteristics, with higher body fat percentage emerging as the strongest physiological predictor and intrinsic motivation demonstrating a protective effect.
Key Findings
Results
Higher levels of fatigue were associated with increased perceptions of both personal and social barriers to physical activity.
Fatigue was correlated with personal barriers (r ≈ .28) and social barriers (r ≈ .21).
Fatigue was identified as 'a significant psychological constraint on physical activity participation.'
Data were collected using the Chalder Fatigue Scale.
The study sample consisted of 552 university students with a mean age of 20.5 ± 2.1 years.
Results
Intrinsic motivation demonstrated a protective effect against perceived barriers to physical activity.
Intrinsic motivation was associated with reduced perceptions of barriers (β = -0.22).
Motivation was assessed using the University Student Motivation Scale.
The protective effect of intrinsic motivation was identified through multiple linear regression analysis.
Results
Extrinsic motivation and amotivation were both linked to heightened perceptions of barriers to physical activity.
Extrinsic motivation was associated with increased barrier perceptions (β = 0.19).
Amotivation showed a stronger association with increased barrier perceptions (β = 0.27).
These relationships were identified using multiple linear regression analysis.
Results
Higher body fat percentage was the strongest physiological predictor of perceived barriers to physical activity.
Body fat percentage had a regression coefficient of β = 0.29, making it the strongest physiological predictor among variables examined.
Body composition was assessed using a bioelectrical impedance analysis device.
The finding underscored 'the critical role of body composition in shaping behavioural barriers.'
Methods
The study used a cross-sectional observational design with 552 university students to examine barriers to physical activity.
Total sample size was 552 individuals with a mean age of 20.5 ± 2.1 years.
Data collection instruments included a demographic information form, the Barriers to Physical Activity Scale, the Chalder Fatigue Scale, and the University Student Motivation Scale.
Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression.
University students were identified as 'a high-risk group due to academic workload and social pressures.'
Akil M. (2025). Barriers to physical activity among university students in the light of psychosocial and body composition determinants.. BMC psychology. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-03789-4