Energy Expenditure and Physical Activity in a University Population in the Coastal Region of Ecuador
Metadatos
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MDPI
Materia
Physical activity Total energy expenditure Energy profile University students Nutritional Education Wellbeing
Fecha
2020Referencia bibliográfica
Hernández-Gallardo, D.; Arencibia-Moreno, R.; Linares-Girela, D.; Saca-Plua, I.J.; Linares-Manrique, M. Energy Expenditure and Physical Activity in a University Population in the Coastal Region of Ecuador. Sustainability 2020, 12, 10165. https://doi.org/10.3390/su122310165
Patrocinador
Laica Eloy Alfaro University of ManabiResumen
Background: Variations in physical activity greatly affect total energy expenditure,
and therefore its examination contributes to the prevention of systemic disease. We sought to
evaluate energy expenditure and physical activity within a university population from the coastal
region of Ecuador. Methods: A descriptive and observational research study was developed to
compare 1038 university students. Weight, height, resting metabolic rate and estimated energy
needs were estimated. A 24 h recall questionnaire was administered to examine the relationship
between total energy expenditure and physical activity. The “IPAQ” (international physical activity
questionnaire) was employed to classify the type of physical activity performed and weekly metabolic
equivalent (MET) minutes were calculated. Results: Male and female participants showed total energy
expenditures of 2571.26 ± 321.26 and 1924.75 ± 112.78 kcal/day, respectively, with resting metabolic
rates of 1864.12 ± 206.67 and 1373.96 ± 178.28 kcal/day, respectively. A total of 81.88% of the population
reported being sedentary. With regards to time distribution between activities, insignificant time
was dedicated to sport and health-related activities. Weekly MET minute expenditure was classified
as low in 45.37% of individuals, moderate in 52.2%, and high in 3% of individuals. Conclusions:
We conclude that the studied population led a notably sedentary lifestyle, which was contingent
on voluntary behavioural states including the avoidance of certain exercises. Such tendencies are
harmful to health.