Therapeutic perception of physical exercise and its association with routine, medical evaluation, and knowledge
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47197/retos.v67.115175Keywords:
Exercise, Self-perception, Health behavior, Health promotion, University studentsAbstract
Introduction: Physical inactivity continues to be a major public health issue, especially among university students, who exhibit a low perception of exercise as a therapeutic resource.
Objective: This study aimed to analyze the therapeutic perception of physical exercise and its association with the physical routine performed, the practice of pre-participation medical examinations, and formal knowledge in exercise science. It was hypothesized that this perception is significantly associated with these three behavioral and cognitive variables.
Methodology: A quantitative, non-experimental, descriptive, and correlational study was conducted. A total of 908 university students from a private institution in Guayaquil, Ecuador, participated. A structured questionnaire, validated by experts and showing high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.944), was applied. Data were analyzed using Chi-square tests and ordinal logistic regression.
Results: The results showed a significant association between the therapeutic perception of exercise and the type of physical routine performed (χ² = 35.01; p < 0.001), being higher among those who engaged in fitness routines. A significant association with gender was also identified (OR = 1.37; p = 0.04). The variables of pre-participation medical examination and formal knowledge were not statistically significant, although consistent trends were observed.
Discussion: These findings are consistent with previous studies that highlight the importance of exercise structuring and the influence of context on its perception as a therapeutic tool.
Conclusion: It is concluded that strengthening the therapeutic perception of exercise requires educational strategies, guided routines, and environments that actively promote self-care.
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