SELF REPORTED PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND EUROFIT PERFORMANCES ON THE ACTIVE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

Background: Physical activity (PA) can attenuate the health risks associated with elevated body mass index (BMI), but its impact is heterogeneous and appears to depend on intensity, dose, and concurrent dietary change.  Objective: To synthesize recent evidence on PA, BMI and fitness relationships and to test whether vigorous PA predicts superior fitness outcomes in a cohort of physically active university students. Methods: Twenty‑nine students (23 men, 6 women; M age = 18.82 ± 1.71 years) reported weekly PA (vigorous/moderate MET‑min·week⁻¹) and completed fitness tests (standing broad jump, 10×5 m shuttle run, sit‑ups/30 s, sit‑and‑reach). BMI was classified using standard cut points. Pearson correlations examined links between PA intensity, anthropometrics, and performance. Results: Most participants reported high PA (n = 26). BMI status was predominantly normal weight (n = 20). Significant associations were observed for height with standing broad jump (r = .60, p = .001); vigorous PA with shuttle‑run time (r = −.38, p = .043) and sit‑ups (r = .40, p = .030); and sit‑ups with both standing broad jump (r = .51, p = .005) and shuttle‑run time (r = −.48, p = .008). Moderate PA and flexibility showed no meaningful relationships with performance. Conclusions: Vigorous, sustained PA and core endurance align with faster, stronger, and more powerful performance profiles, whereas moderate PA appears insufficient on its own. These findings parallel contemporary literature indicating that PA benefits are dose dependent and amplified when paired with nutritional and behavioural support. Future work should incorporate objective PA monitoring, larger and more diverse samples, and longitudinal designs to clarify causal pathways and optimal PA thresholds.