PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS OF PHYSICAL EDUCATION STUDENTS FROM FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF ESPÍRITO SANTO

ABSTRACT Behavioral changes such as low levels of physical activity are observed in recently admitted students at the university, putting health at risk. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the physical activity level (PAL) in undergraduate physical education students of Federal University of Espírito Santo. Current study is a cross-sectional survey, composed by sample of 285 students of both genders at courses licentiate and bachelors' degree in Physical Education. The Short Form-International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to evaluate the physical activity. Students presented high prevalence of PAL classified as Very Active and Active (86%) and low prevalence of sedentarism (14%) classified as insufficiently physically active and sedentary. The results showed that students of Bachelor and Licentiate courses exhibited high prevalence of physical activity classified as Active and Very Active.