A Study of the Relationship Between Sports Cognition, Physical Activity and Physical Fitness of Ningbo University Instructors
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Abstract
This article aimed to investigate the relationships between sports cognition, physical activity, and physical fitness among instructors at Ningbo University, focusing on differences by gender, age, and job position. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a sample of 430 faculty members selected from a population of 3,098. Data were collected using the Exercise Benefits and Barriers Scale (EBBS-CN), the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and standardized physical fitness tests. Reliability and validity of the instruments were confirmed (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.85; KMO > 0.83, p < 0.001). Data analysis included descriptive statistics, Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation coefficients, and regression modeling using SPSS and AMOS. The results indicated that 1) faculty exhibited moderate to high levels of sports cognition but low engagement in physical activity. 2) Physical activity levels showed significant negative correlations with several cognitive domains, including psychological perspectives (r = -0.255, p < 0.01), physical function (r = -0.247, p < 0.01), and life enhancement (r = -0.180, p < 0.01). 3) A positive correlation was found between physical activity and physical fitness (r = 0.167, p < 0.01). 4) Gender, age, and job position significantly influenced both activity and fitness levels (p < 0.05). Despite high awareness of exercise benefits, actual participation in physical activity among faculty remained low, influenced by demographic and occupational factors. These findings indicated that it is necessary to implement targeted health promotion strategies and institutional support to bridge the gap between cognition and behavior, ultimately improving faculty well-being.
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