Report on Physical Activity Levels and Sedentary Lifestyle among Engineering

Students

Course Title: Technical Report Writing

Course Code: BENG102P

Name of the Student:Ameya Shukla

Registration Number: 23BCM0026
Programme: BTech Chemical Engineering
School: SHEME

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 Declaration

I, Mr. Ameya Shukla (23BCM0026), hereby declare that the report submitted by me, as a partial
fulfillment of the course on “Technical Report Writing” registered during Fall Semester 2024–25,
is a record of the activities involved and the observations made by me.

To the best of my knowledge, this document has been prepared by me keeping in mind the
professional ethics and has not been copied either in part or in full.

Date: 17 November 2024 Signature of the Student

Place: VIT Vellore (with date)

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 Contents

Sr No. Title Page No.

1 Acknowledgements 4
2 Abstract 4
3 Introduction 5
4 Literature Review 5
5 Scope & Objective 6
6 Methodology 6
7 Analysis of result 7-12
8 Conclusion 12
9 Recommendations 13
10 References 13
11 Appendix 14-18

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 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of this report.
My appreciation goes first to the participants who completed the survey, sharing their insights and
experiences, which provided a solid foundation for this study.

My sincere thanks also go to the faculty members who provided invaluable guidance throughout this
process. Their advice and feedback shaped the analysis and interpretation of the data, significantly
enhancing the report's quality.

Additionally, I am grateful to the administrative staff who facilitated the survey process, ensuring
smooth data collection. Thanks also to the library staff and resources, which were instrumental during
the literature review phase.

Finally, I extend my heartfelt thanks to my family, friends, and peers for their unwavering
encouragement and support.

Abstract

This report explores the relationship between physical activity levels and sedentary behaviors among
engineering students at VIT. Data collected through surveys highlighted various health concerns linked
to prolonged sedentary habits, such as low physical activity. Students emphasized the value of
integrating fitness routines into their schedules to combat stress and enhance overall well-being.
Recommendations include conducting awareness campaigns and implementing structured wellness
programs.

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 Introduction

Engineering students often lead inactive lifestyles due to their demanding academic schedules, which
involve prolonged periods of sitting for lectures, assignments, and study sessions. Such a lifestyle can
lead to various health problems, including obesity, cardiovascular issues, and mental health challenges.
While the benefits of regular exercise are well-documented, barriers like academic workload, limited
resources, and lack of motivation hinder many students from staying active.

This study examines these factors, aiming to provide actionable recommendations to foster a healthier
and more active environment for students.

Literature Review

Numerous studies have highlighted the negative impact of sedentary behavior on health. Prolonged
inactivity is closely linked to conditions like obesity, heart diseases, and musculoskeletal problems
(American College of Sports Medicine, 2022). According to the World Health Organization (WHO),
sedentary lifestyles are increasingly prevalent among young adults, especially students, due to
academic stress and the shift toward digital learning (WHO, 2023).

Moderate and vigorous physical activity are known to mitigate many of these risks. The U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services suggests at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75
minutes of intense physical activity each week to maintain good health (HHS, 2023). Unfortunately,
students often struggle to meet these benchmarks because of time limitations, lack of motivation, and
insufficient access to resources.

Research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) highlights academic workload, extended study
hours, and inadequate fitness facilities as key contributors to inactivity among students (NIH, 2022).
Additionally, engaging in physical activity has been shown to improve cognitive functions and mental
health.

Building on these findings, this report examines how academic responsibilities, environmental factors,
and personal challenges affect physical activity among students. It also explores how institutions can
support healthier lifestyle choices.

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 Scope

This study focuses on assessing the lifestyle habits of students, specifically in terms of sedentary
activities and physical activity engagement. The scope includes examining the frequency and duration
of both sedentary behaviors and physical activity, health issues linked to inactivity, and barriers to a
more active lifestyle. Additionally, the study explores how academic workload impacts physical
activity and how institutional support can mitigate the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle.

Objectives

The primary objectives of this study are as follows:

• Analyze Sedentary Behavior: To determine the daily hours students spend engaging in sedentary
activities and identify common sedentary habits.

• Assess Physical Activity Levels: To evaluate the frequency and duration of moderate and vigorous
physical activities among students.

• Identify Health Impacts: To examine health issues that students experience as a result of sedentary
behaviors.

• Understand Barriers to Physical Activity: To identify the main barriers preventing students from
engaging in regular physical activity.

• Evaluate Institutional Influence: To assess how academic workload contributes to sedentary behavior
and explore ways institutions can support a more active lifestyle.

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 Methodology
To gather relevant data, a Google Form survey was distributed among VIT students. The survey
collected demographic details and responses about sedentary habits, frequency of physical activity,
health concerns, and perceived barriers to staying active. It also explored how academic workloads
influence these behaviors.

The responses were analyzed to identify trends and commonalities. Graphs, charts, and tables were
used to present the data visually, making it easier to interpret and derive meaningful insights.

Analysis of the results

1. Age

The age groups attending the survey are as follows:

• 17-20 : 27
• 21-23 : 1
• 24-26 : 0
• 26+ : 0
• Total : 28

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2. Gender

Number of People

• Male : 23
• Female : 5
• Prefer not to say : 0
• Total : 28

3. Hours spent engaging in sedentary activities

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 • 0-6 hours : 17
• 6-12 hours : 11

The bar graph depicts the number of people who spend varying amounts of time in
sedentary activities. The highest number of people (17) spend between 0 and 6 hours,
followed by 11 people who spend between 6 and 12 hours. The remaining time intervals
show a decreasing trend, with the lowest number of people (1) spending 1-2 hours. This
displays that almost fifty present of the people spend a third to half day doing sedentary
activities.

4. Engagement in moderate-intensity physical activity for at least 30 minutes a

day.

• Not at all : 1
• 0-1 days per week : 4
• 2-3 days per week : 7
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 • 4-5 days per week : 8
• 6-7 days per week : 8

The pie chart shows that most people engage in moderate-intensity physical activity 4-5 or 6-7
days a week. A significant portion also does it 2-3 days a week, while a smaller group does it
less frequently or not at all.

5. Engagement in vigorous-intensity physical activity for at least 20 minutes a

day

• Not at all : 8
• 0-1 days per week : 5
• 2-3 days per week : 9
• 4-5 days per week : 2
• 6-7 days per week : 4

The pie chart shows that most people engage in vigorous-intensity physical activity 2-3 days per
week. A significant portion also does it 4-5 days per week. A smaller group does it 6-7 days per
week, while the least engage in it 0-1 days per week or not at all.

6. Health issues due to a sedentary lifestyle

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 The bar graph depicts the health issues experienced due to a sedentary lifestyle. Back pain is the
most prevalent issue, affecting 40.7% of respondents. Neck pain and headaches follow closely,
affecting 25.9% and 37%, respectively. Fatigue and difficulty concentrating are also significant
concerns, affecting 33.3% and 22.2% of respondents, respectively

7. Contribution of academic workload to a sedentary lifestyle

• Yes : 17
• No : 4
• Sometimes : 7
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 The pie chart illustrates the contribution of academic workload to a sedentary lifestyle. The
majority (60.7%) of respondents believe it contributes, while 25% believe it does not. A smaller
portion (14.3%) believe it contributes sometimes.

8. Barriers to engaging in regular physical activity

The bar graph depicts the barriers to engaging in regular physical activity. Lack of time is the
most significant barrier, affecting 61.5% of respondents. Lack of motivation and lack of
facilities/resources follow closely, affecting 38.5% and 23.1% respectively. Health issues,
financial constraints, and academic workload are less common barriers, affecting 7.7%, 11.5%,
and 3.8% of respondents, respectively.

Conclusion

This study sheds light on the extensive sedentary behavior among students and its impact on their
health. Many students face significant barriers to staying active, such as academic pressure, limited
time, and insufficient access to facilities. These challenges contribute to health problems like back pain,
fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.

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The findings emphasize the need for institutions to take proactive steps in promoting physical activity.
By offering better access to fitness facilities, embedding wellness programs into campus culture, and
raising awareness about the risks of inactivity, universities can foster a healthier, more balanced
lifestyle for students.

Ultimately, reducing sedentary habits and encouraging regular physical activity will not only improve
students' physical and mental health but also enhance their academic performance and overall quality of
life.

Recommendations

Based on the analysis and findings of this study, the following recommendations are proposed to
promote a more active lifestyle among students and mitigate the health risks associated with sedentary
behavior:

• Increase Access to Physical Activity Facilities.

• Integrate Physical Activity Breaks in Academic Schedules

• Promote On-Campus Physical Activity Programs

• Awareness Campaigns on Health Risks of Inactivity

• Offer Flexible Study Spaces

• Reduce Academic Pressure through Better Work-Life Balance

• Encourage Peer Support for Physical Activity

References

• American College of Sports Medicine. "Physical Activity Recommendations for Health." ACSM.org.

• World Health Organization. "Sedentary Behaviour and Health." WHO, 2023.

• National Institutes of Health. "Impacts of Sedentary Lifestyles." NIH, 2022.

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• Survey data collected through the study (see Appendix for survey questions)

Appendix

Sample response to the questionnaire from one of the students is given below:

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