Investigation of Physical Activity in the Laboratory on Body Composition and Nutrition of Late Adolescents at University
Abstract
Background: Biology students involved in laboratory work often face minimal physical activity, resulting in reduced skeletal muscle movement that can threaten their health and productivity. This study examines the effect of laboratory-based physical activity on the body composition and nutritional adequacy of undergraduate biology students.
Methods: This quantitative study utilised a descriptive approach with simple random sampling. Cross-sectional data were collected from 139 biology students, comprising 35 males and 104 females, aged 18 to 23 years. Physical measurements were taken using a stadiometer, body scale, and body composition analyser, followed by descriptive statistical analysis.
Results: Research findings indicate that light physical activity in the laboratory was observed in 60% of males and 71.1% of females. The average body height for males was 168.7 cm with a standard deviation of 6.2, and body weight was 67.6 kg with a standard deviation of 15.2. In comparison, the average body height for females was 155.2 cm, with a standard deviation of 5.1, and body weight was 53.4 kg, with a standard deviation of 11.6, all within the Indonesian norms. Nutritional adequacy composition was 49% for males and 63% for females in the normal fat category, while nutritional status adequacy was 46% for males and 58% for females in the normal category. Research contributes to universities' focus on promoting students' health and fitness through physical activity, maintaining an ideal body weight, controlling fat intake, and ensuring adequate nutrition.
Conclusion: Undergraduate biology at Universitas Padjadjaran has body measurements aligned with Indonesian standards, with female students exhibiting better physical conditions. Implications of balancing physical activity and nutrition to maintain healthy body composition, supporting academic performance
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