Comparison of the physical activity levels during the university life

Background: A high percentage of Chilean university students are inactive. Aim: To determine differences in physical activity (PA) levels and energy expenditure in a group of university students according to their length of stay in the university. Material and Methods: We studied 56 students aged 22 +/- 2 years (29 women). They wore a triaxial accelerometer during seven days, determining steps/day, steps/min, sedentary time and PA levels. Participants also answered a PA questionnaire. Their weight and height were measured. They were divided in two groups according to the time spent at university (1-2 years and 3-5 years). Results: No significant differences in energy expenditure were observed between both groups of students. The number of steps/day and steps/min was significantly higher in the group with 3 to 5 years in the university than their counterparts with 1-2 years. Conclusions: As the university years increase, there is a tendency to increase the time spent walking (18.3%) but without an increase in the moderate-vigorous PA.