Relación entre la composición corporal, el nivel de actividad física y la calidad de vida en estudiantes de la Carrera de Fisioterapia de la Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil.

Abstract

The university stage can bring about changes in diet, rest, and physical activity, which can influence body composition and perceived well-being. Objective: To determine the relationship between body composition, physical activity level, and quality of life in Physiotherapy students at the Catholic University of Santiago de Guayaquil. Materials and methods: This was a quantitative, descriptive-correlational, non-experimental, cross-sectional study. The sample consisted of 62 students, selected using non-probability convenience sampling. Anthropometric measurements and bioimpedance analysis were performed, and the GPAQ and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires were administered. Results: The majority of students were 18 to 19 years old. Normal weight was more frequent among women (59%), while among men, normal weight and overweight each reached 47%. Women had higher body fat percentages, with an average of 35.07%, while men had higher muscle mass, with an average of 30.98 kg. High levels of physical activity were more prevalent in men (86%) than in women (48%). The strongest correlation was found between physical activity and quality of life (r = 0.450, p < 0.001). Body mass index (BMI) was negatively correlated with both physical activity and quality of life. Conclusion: Higher physical activity is associated with a better quality of life, while a high BMI is linked to lower activity and well-being, highlighting the importance of promoting healthy habits during university studies.