The Significance of Physical Activity Education: A Survey of Medical Students

Physical activity promotes well-being: medical students' engagement and perspective. A cross-sectional study scoped through innovation and technology

Background

The role of physical activity (PA) in health promotion is further complimented by its disease preventive value. Future doctors' involvement and advocacy in diverse aspects of such significant role is still under evaluation.

Objectives

This study aimed to assess medical students' overall PA engagement and their perspective, and to identify whether their level of engagement affects their advocacy and promotion, while discussing related educational innovations and technological advances.

Methods

Through a cross-sectional observational study design, stratified sampling from third-, fourth-, and fifth-year medical students attending Nile University, Sudan, during the period from February to April 2020, were included. Descriptive data analysis was done using the SPSS software, and presented including, frequencies, cross-tabulation, Chi-square testing with 95% confidence level, and a P value, after data collection via a structured questionnaire adopting parts of the IPAQ. Study has been reported in line with the STROCSS criteria.

Results

Out of 188 students, 43% males and 57% females, less than half (91, 48.40%) participated in planned PA, and majority (156, 82.98%) agreed with its health-related significance. Few (57, 30.32%) considered academic load as a barrier, and only 20 (10.60%) were not actively promoting PA engagement to others. Most PA participants were males (57.14%), leaning toward group-based activity (54, 59.34%), making regular plans (51, 56.04%) and motivated by self-health promotion (86, 94.51%) (P < 0.05). Despite majority of students (82.98%) agreement on PA's benefits, nearly half (51.60%) do not engage, Similarly, overall advocacy for PA promotion in relation to specific people was not statistically significant (P = 0.21). Embedding PA into undergraduate curriculum, use of PA report cards, exercise prescription training and targeted mentoring, in addition to digital bracelets, smart phone applications and internet-based social media, had positive impact on PA participation and promotion.

Conclusion

Medical students' understanding of PA health related significance did not equate to increase engagement, despite active promotion. Curricular integration of PA should accompany recent innovative educational strategies to increase their participation and advocation. Future studies are needed to evaluate the role of technology-based and AI-driven PA in achieving this goal.

Nutrition and Physical Activity Education in Medical School: A Narrative Review

This review explores the diverse landscape of integrating nutrition and physical activity education into medical school curricula, focusing on the imperative role of physicians in promoting health through lifestyle changes. By examining global medical education structures, we uncovered disparities in nutrition and physical activity training, and highlighted the need for a shared framework to address international and regional challenges. Despite acknowledging the importance of both nutrition and physical activity, studies have consistently uncovered deficiencies in medical school curricula, especially in skills related to providing lifestyle advice and behavioral counseling. Survey studies among medical students have illuminated various perceptions and knowledge gaps, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive and mandatory nutrition and physical activity training. While acknowledging progress, challenges, such as time constraints, resource availability, and faculty expertise, persist. Integrating lifestyle education results in resistance, a demand for strategic communication, and faculty buy-ins. These findings underscore the importance of a holistic approach that balances theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and confidence that medical students need to promote effective nutrition and physical activity in healthcare.