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Energy Expenditure and Physical Activity in a University Population in the Coastal Region of Ecuador

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  • Damaris Hernández-Gallardo

    (Faculty of Educational Sciences, Laica Eloy Alfaro University of Manabí, Manta 130802, Ecuador)

  • Ricardo Arencibia-Moreno

    (Faculty of Health Sciences, Technical University of Manabí, Portoviejo 130108, Ecuador)

  • Daniel Linares-Girela

    (Faculty of Sport Sciences and the Physical Anthropology Laboratory of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain)

  • Iván Jesús Saca-Plua

    (Faculty of Educational Sciences, Laica Eloy Alfaro University of Manabí, Manta 130802, Ecuador)

  • Marta Linares-Manrique

    (Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Melilla Campus, University of Granada, 52071 Granada, Spain)

Abstract

Background: Variations in physical activity greatly affect total energy expenditure, and therefore its examination contributes to the prevention of systemic disease. We sought to evaluate energy expenditure and physical activity within a university population from the coastal region of Ecuador. Methods: A descriptive and observational research study was developed to compare 1038 university students. Weight, height, resting metabolic rate and estimated energy needs were estimated. A 24 h recall questionnaire was administered to examine the relationship between total energy expenditure and physical activity. The “IPAQ” (international physical activity questionnaire) was employed to classify the type of physical activity performed and weekly metabolic equivalent (MET) minutes were calculated. Results: Male and female participants showed total energy expenditures of 2571.26 ± 321.26 and 1924.75 ± 112.78 kcal/day, respectively, with resting metabolic rates of 1864.12 ± 206.67 and 1373.96 ± 178.28 kcal/day, respectively. A total of 81.88% of the population reported being sedentary. With regards to time distribution between activities, insignificant time was dedicated to sport and health-related activities. Weekly MET minute expenditure was classified as low in 45.37% of individuals, moderate in 52.2%, and high in 3% of individuals. Conclusions: We conclude that the studied population led a notably sedentary lifestyle, which was contingent on voluntary behavioural states including the avoidance of certain exercises. Such tendencies are harmful to health.

Suggested Citation

  • Damaris Hernández-Gallardo & Ricardo Arencibia-Moreno & Daniel Linares-Girela & Iván Jesús Saca-Plua & Marta Linares-Manrique, 2020. "Energy Expenditure and Physical Activity in a University Population in the Coastal Region of Ecuador," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(23), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:23:p:10165-:d:457375
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ángel Iván Fernández-García & Alba Gómez-Cabello & Ana Moradell & David Navarrete-Villanueva & Jorge Pérez-Gómez & Ignacio Ara & Raquel Pedrero-Chamizo & Jorge Subías-Perié & Borja Muniz-Pardos & José, 2020. "How to Improve the Functional Capacity of Frail and Pre-Frail Elderly People? Health, Nutritional Status and Exercise Intervention. The EXERNET-Elder 3.0 Project," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(15), pages 1-31, August.
    2. Josip Karuc & Maroje Sorić & Ivan Radman & Marjeta Mišigoj-Duraković, 2020. "Moderators of Change in Physical Activity Levels during Restrictions Due to COVID-19 Pandemic in Young Urban Adults," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(16), pages 1-10, August.
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