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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07392593

Physical Activity as a Non-Invasive Strategy to Address Obesity and Musculoskeletal Risk in First-Year University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in Spain

The aim of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to assess physical activity and sedentary behavior levels in first-year university students and to explore their association with obesity and musculoskeletal health risk indicators. Physical activity and sedentary behavior were assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), while body mass index (BMI) was used to classify weight status. Sedentary behavior was interpreted as an indirect indicator of musculoskeletal risk. Understanding these behavioral patterns may help identify at-risk profiles and inform non-invasive prevention strategies in university populations.

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Key information

Conditions

Physical Inactivity Behavior Body Weight Motor Activity Nutrition Disorders Nutritional and Metabolic Diseases Obesity Obesity & Overweight Overnutrition Overweight Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Sedentary Behavior Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Universidad Rey Juan Carlos

Madrid, Spain

About this study

Physical inactivity and prolonged sedentary behavior are recognized risk factors for obesity and musculoskeletal health problems, particularly in young adults exposed to long periods of sitting during academic activities. University students represent a population vulnerable to lifestyle-related health risks during the transition to higher education.

This retrospective observational study analyzed previously collected data from first-year university students enrolled at Universidad Rey Juan Carlos between September 2023 and June 2024. Physical activity and sedentary behavior were assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), which evaluates activity across work, transportation, and leisure domains. Body mass index was calculated from self-reported height and weight and classified according to World Health Organization criteria.

The primary objective of the study was to describe physical activity and sedentary behavior patterns and to examine their associations with obesity and indirect indicators of musculoskeletal risk. No intervention, treatment, randomization, or follow-up procedures were performed as part of this study.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • First-year university students enrolled at Universidad Rey Juan Carlos
  • Availability of complete GPAQ data

Exclusion criteria

  • Incomplete GPAQ data

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

  1. Physical Activity Level (Total MET-minutes per week)

    Time frame: Retrospective assessment during the academic year 2023-2024

    Physical activity assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), including work, transportation, and leisure domains. Total physical activity was expressed as MET-minutes per week.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Sedentary Behavior

    Time frame: Retrospective assessment during the academic year 2023-2024

    Self-reported daily sitting time assessed using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and interpreted as an indirect indicator of musculoskeletal health risk.

  2. Body Mass Index (BMI)

    Time frame: Retrospective assessment during the academic year 2023-2024

    Body mass index calculated as weight (kg) divided by height squared (m²) and classified according to World Health Organization criteria.

  3. Physical Activity Risk Categories

    Time frame: Retrospective assessment during the academic year 2023-2024

    Classification into low, moderate, or high physical activity levels based on World Health Organization GPAQ thresholds.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Universidad Rey Juan Carlos

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2023
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
Feb 6, 2026
Registry last updated
Feb 6, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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