Investigation of Physical Activity and Quality of Life Differences between Male and Female Young Adults

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Objective: The aims of this study were to inquire the physical activity and quality of life differences between male and female young adults and to investigate associations among these parameters. Material and Methods: International physical activity questionnaire (short form) and life quality questionnaire (SF-36) were applied to a total of 710 (387 female, 323 male) volunteer young adults. Weekly vigorous and moderate physical activity and walking times and daily sitting times were determined with using international physical activity questionnaire. Physical and mental health scores of SF-36 were calculated. Total physical activity times of participants were calculated and then classified as low, moderate and high. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated with formula using height and weight. Results: BMI, vigorous physical activity, moderate physical activity, total physical activity, SF-36 physical and mental health score were found higher in males than in females. In terms of physical activity level, there were statistically significant differences among the percentages of males and females shown as low, moderate, and high. Only, vigorous physical activity time showed mild positive correlations with SF-36 physical health score. Conclusion: Total physical activity being found higher in males compared to the one in females, may contribute to the higher quality of life in males. Because of vigorous and moderate physical activity differences between in males and in females excluding weekly walking time, total physical activity was found different in males and females. Usually, vigorous and moderate physical activities are enjoyable team activity. These enjoyable vigorous and moderate physical activities may be proposed to increase quality of life in young females.

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Physical activity , quality of life , young adult , body mass index , questionnaire

Kocatepe Medical Journal

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Kocatepe Medical Journal