Author(s): ZITO, P., TUCCELLA, C., MAISTO, G., NESPOLI, L., PUGLIESE, L., BONAVOLONTA, V., VINCIGUERRA, M.G., Institution: UNIVERSITY OF L'AQUILA, Country: ITALY, Abstract-ID: 1356

INTRODUCTION:
University students are increasingly exposed to sedentary behaviors that may impact health-related physical fitness and overall health. Physical fitness (PF) is a key determinant of current and future health and may be an important target for health promotion strategies and overall well-being in young adults. Although structured exercise interventions are known to improve health-related physical fitness, evidence regarding their effectiveness when proposed in real-word academic settings remains limited. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of a 12-week structured exercise program on PF in university students.
METHODS:
A total of thirty-two university students (24.1 ± 2.7 yrs) were assigned to an intervention group (IG; n=17) and to a control group (CG; n=15), whose participants did not follow the intervention. The IG participated in a 12-week supervised exercise program combining Functional circuit-based training and mobility sessions. PF components assessed were upper limb strength (handgrip test), balance (one leg stand test), lower body power (jump e reach test), core endurance (sit up test), and cardiorespiratory fitness (two-minute step test). All measures were detected at baseline (T0) and after 12 weeks of the intervention (T1).
RESULTS:
Linear mixed models analyses showed a significant group x time interaction for lower limb strength (p=0.037; n²p=0.137), with the IG improving jump height and the CG showing a decrease from T0 to T1. Significant improvements were revealed for cardiorespiratory fitness (p=0.037; n²p=0.137) in the IG compared to CG. grip strength showed a significant effect of time (p= 0.005; n²p=0.236).
CONCLUSION:
These findings suggest that a 12-week structured exercise program delivered in a real-world university setting can effectively enhance explosive strength and cardiorespiratory fitness. The University represents a key setting for promoting physical activity and assessing PF as a part of health and wellbeing promotion. Supporting PF assessment and enhancement in this population is crucial, as university students often experience a decline in their physical activity as a result of lifestyle changes.