Abstract

CORTE-REAL, Nuno et al. Sport practice of university students: the case of the University of Porto. Rev. Port. Cien. Desp. [online]. 2008, vol.8, n.2, pp.219-228. ISSN 1645-0523.

Despite the clear benefits associated to sport practice to people of all ages, some studies with university students have shown high prevalence of sedentary habits, reason why it is important to investigate the determinants of their sport participation. Considering the importance in this domain of social, cognitive and affective dimensions, this study analysed sport practice of university students in relation with intrapersonal (e.g., sex, age) and interpersonal (e.g. relatives and friends sport habits) variables. Participated in this investigation 2284 male and female students, aged between 18 and 30 years (M=21.87±2.37), who filled out a questionnaire to assess their levels of sport practice, as well as their relatives and friends sport habits. Overall, results showed the students: i) preferred to practice fitness, swimming and soccer, as well as traditional activities (e.g., capoeira); ii) preferred to practice sport recreationally, all year long, in associations/ academies/ gymnasia; iii) men were more active; iv) preferred to practice sport in group, which is consistent with the positive correlations found between the students’ regular sport practice and their relatives’ and friends’ sport habits. Therefore, these results suggest the importance of matching the sport offer to the preferences of students, not only in relation to activities and places, but also considering the role of significant others.

Keywords : university students; sport practice; social influences.

        · abstract in Portuguese     · text in Portuguese     · Portuguese ( pdf )