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The Relationship of Self-Reported Physical Activity Level and Self-Efficacy in Physiotherapy Students: A Cross-Sectional Study

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  • Lāsma Spundiņa

    (Department of Health Psychology and Pedagogy, Riga Stradiņš University, LV-1007 Rīga, Latvia)

  • Una Veseta

    (Department of Health Psychology and Pedagogy, Riga Stradiņš University, LV-1007 Rīga, Latvia)

  • Agita Ābele

    (Department of Sport and Training Theory, Pedagogy, Psychology and Pedagogical Internship, RSU Latvian Academy of Sports Education, LV-1007 Rīga, Latvia)

Abstract

Physical activity plays a critical role in health and well-being, particularly during students’ academic development. This study explores the relationship between self-efficacy and physical activity among physiotherapy students, recognizing self-efficacy as a key factor influencing exercise behavior. Despite awareness of physical activity’s benefits, academic demands may hinder participation, reducing confidence in maintaining an active lifestyle. A total of 244 physiotherapy students (mean age 24.44 ± 7.56 years) completed the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire—Short Form (IPAQ-SF). The results showed that the self-efficacy scores ranged from 17 to 40, with a mean of 30.44 (±3.93), indicating moderate to high levels. In terms of activity, 40.3% of students reported sufficient activity (high level), 51.7% reported moderate activity (meeting minimum guidelines), and 8.05% reported insufficient (low) activity. Self-efficacy positively correlated with age (r = 0.199, p < 0.01) and education level (r = 0.191, p < 0.01), and negatively with employment (r = –0.171, p < 0.05). Physical activity was significantly associated with self-efficacy (r = 0.217, p < 0.01). These findings underscore the importance of fostering self-efficacy to promote physical activity, highlighting the need for targeted strategies within academic settings to support student well-being and healthier lifestyle choices.

Suggested Citation

  • Lāsma Spundiņa & Una Veseta & Agita Ābele, 2025. "The Relationship of Self-Reported Physical Activity Level and Self-Efficacy in Physiotherapy Students: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(7), pages 1-9, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:7:p:1029-:d:1689501
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Magdalena Dąbrowska-Galas & Kuba Ptaszkowski & Jolanta Dąbrowska, 2021. "Physical Activity Level, Insomnia and Related Impact in Medical Students in Poland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-10, March.
    2. Kun Wang & Yan Li & Tingran Zhang & Jiong Luo, 2022. "The Relationship among College Students’ Physical Exercise, Self-Efficacy, Emotional Intelligence, and Subjective Well-Being," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(18), pages 1-14, September.
    3. Miloš Ilić & Huiwen Pang & Tomislav Vlaški & Maja Grujičić & Budimka Novaković, 2022. "Motives and Barriers for Regular Physical Activity among Medical Students from the Western Balkans (South-East Europe Region)," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-21, December.
    4. Hongyan Yu & Li Yang & Jianing Tian & Larry Austin & Yiming Tao, 2022. "The Mediation Role of Self-Control in the Association of Self-Efficacy and Physical Activity in College Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-14, September.
    5. Kai Ren & Xiaolu Liu & Yujuan Feng & Changqing Li & Dingding Sun & Ke Qiu, 2021. "The Relationship between Physical Activity and Academic Procrastination in Chinese College Students: The Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-12, October.
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