Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of physical inactivity and its related effects in students of Sargodha Medical College. A survey of 200 students from different departments of Sargodha Medical College was carried out. The departments included in this study were MBBS, DPT, DHND, DSMLE and AHS. Data obtained was analyzed using Descriptive Statistics and the duration of our study was 10 months (Feb 2017 to November 2017). Mean age of participants was 21. Out of 200 students, 147 were boarders and 53 were day scholars, 47.5% students suffer often from the musculoskeletal aches, 31% students feel pain in neck/head area, 39% feel pain at back, 20% feel pain in shoulder area and 10% suffer pain at knee/ankle area. Similarly 16% students participate in sports or games while 50% do not participate in any sports or games. 32% perform exercise or physical activity to feel better, 33% perform for good health, 29% perform for good physique while 5.5% do not perform any exercise or physical activity. 58% spend their leisure time by using mobile phones, 10.5% spend by reading books, 27.5% spend by watching TV, laptops and 4% do shopping, hangouts. Students 23% walk daily, 35.5% walk 2-3 times a week, 11% walk 4-6 days a week and 30.5% do not walk a mile or more at a time without resting. This Study concluded that only 11.5% students are physically active while 52.5% students are physically inactive.

Keywords: Physical activity; Physical inactivity; Exercise; Immobility