Relationship of Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity Levels with Functional Mobility in University Students

Abstract

Background: Sedentary behaviour and physical inactivity are increasingly common in university students and may influence functional mobility despite young age and preserved health. Objective: To investigate the relationship between sedentary behaviour, physical activity levels, and functional mobility in university students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 267 students aged 18–25 years. Sedentary behaviour was assessed using the Sedentary Behaviour Questionnaire, physical activity using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and functional mobility using the Timed Up and Go test and the 10-Meter Walk Test. Sedentary time was categorized into quartiles, and walking speed was categorized into normal versus fast. Associations were examined using Pearson’s Chi-square test with effect size estimation. Results: Participants reported a mean sedentary time of 6.14±2.43 hours/day and were predominantly moderately active (99.6%). Mean TUG was 9.52±0.81 seconds and mean gait speed was 1.33±0.12 m/s. Walking-speed category differed significantly across sedentary quartiles (χ²=11.49, df=3, p=0.009; Cramér’s V=0.207), with normal walking speed increasing from 8.8% in Q1 to 26.9% in Q4. Compared with Q1, Q4 showed higher odds of normal walking speed (OR=3.82; 95% CI 1.40–10.45). Conclusion: Higher sedentary behaviour was significantly associated with slower gait performance despite moderate physical activity, highlighting the need to reduce prolonged sitting in university populations.