EVALUATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVEL AND EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between physical activity level and executive functions in university students.

Methods: Ninety-three (18-25 years of age) (Female:64; Male:29) university students studying at Bezmialem Vakif University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation were included in the study. The participants’ physical activity levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), and their executive functions were evaluated using the Stroop Test-TBAG form.

Results: In this study, 32.3% of participants were found to be very active, 30.1% were inactive, and 37.6% were minimally active. No statistically significant relationship was found between university students’ total IPAQ-SF scores and the Stroop Test-TBAG form scores.

Discussion: In this study, no relationship was obtained between physical activity level and executive functions. Further research is needed using objective methods to understand the possible interaction between physical activity and executive functions in university students. Investigating the effect of physical activity on executive functions can contribute to raising awareness of physical activity, healthy aging, and success in academic life in university students.