Gender Differences in University Students’ Levels of Physical Activity and Motivations to Engage in Physical Activity

The transition of students to the university stage is a critical period in which there are numerous changes that could influence their lifestyles. aim this research was analyse levels physical activity and types motivation for among according gender. A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional survey methodology used. total sample 3060 students, 47.8% women 52.2% men, with mean age 20.88 ± 2.01 years recruited. sampling margin error ±1.85%. short form International Physical Activity Questionnaire third version Behavioural Regulation Exercise were used evaluate MVPA motivations exercise, respectively. Two-way ANCOVA mediation analysis performed. most relevant results show less than half men considered physically active. Furthermore, when analysing interaction between gender, large effect identified (F = 65.03; p≤ 0.001) integrated 324.58; p ≤.0.001) medium one intrinsic 169.39; ≤ found. Therefore, have lower practice higher external demotivation.