Physical Activity, Sleep Quality, and Musculoskeletal Pain in University Students: A Comparison of Academic and Exam Periods
American Journal of Health Promotion, cilt.40, sa.5, ss.561-567, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 40 Sayı: 5
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1177/08901171251391599
- Dergi Adı: American Journal of Health Promotion
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Abstracts in Social Gerontology, CINAHL, EBSCO Education Source, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index, SportDiscus, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO), Education Source Ultimate (EBSCO), Health Research Premium Collection (ProQuest), Sociology Source Ultimate (EBSCO)
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.561-567
- Anahtar Kelimeler: academic period, exam period, physical activity, musculoskeletal discomfort, sleep quality
- Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Purpose: This study aimed to examine physical activity levels, sleep quality, and musculoskeletal discomfort in university students during the academic and exam periods. Approach or Design: A cross-sectional comparative design was used. Setting: The study was conducted at a University. Participants: A total of 227 (n = 199 female) undergraduate students participated. Method: Data were collected face-to-face using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) during both periods. Daily sitting durations and preferred study postures were also recorded. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests, with significance set at P < 0.05. Results: During the exam period, musculoskeletal discomfort was highest in the back, lower back, and neck regions. PSQI scores showed worse subjective sleep quality, longer sleep latency, shorter duration, and increased disturbances during exams (P < 0.05). IPAQ-SF results indicated reduced physical activity and significantly increased daily sitting time in the exam period (P < 0.05). Conclusion: University students experience more musculoskeletal discomfort, poorer sleep quality, and decreased physical activity during exams. These findings highlight the need for preventive strategies during high-stress academic periods.