Level of Physical Activity Knowledge of Medical Students in a Brazilian University

Physical inactivity is a major global public health problem, with a large impact on morbidity and mortality. For this reason, knowledge and advice on physical activity (PA) should be common to all health professionals. In this context, the role of physicians stands out, because they act in the first contact and have a high potential in addressing this issue and its impact on health promotion, prevention, and treatment in chronic diseases. This study aims to observe the level of physical activity knowledge of medical students in a university in the south of Brazil.

A cross-sectional study was carried out by applying the short and validated version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) to collect data on sociodemographic factors, physical activity, knowledge of physical activity, and level of physical activity.

A total of 294 students were assessed. The average (± SD) age was 22.0 (± 3.3) years. Most were women, and 72.8% presented body mass index within the range 18.5-25 kg/m². Results showed that 65.6% of the students practice physical activity. There was statistical difference regarding the level of physical activity (p < 0.001) and sitting time on weekdays (p = 0.031) between the groups of physically active and physically inactive individuals.

It was concluded that the practice of physical activity has no association with the level of knowledge about it. However, by practicing physical activities doctors are better able to motivate and encourage their patients.