Descriptive and Application Study of a Physical-Sports Activities Program to Influence Adherence to Regular Physical Activity Practice and Eating Habits in University Students

This project addresses the issue of unhealthy lifestyles (physical inactivity and poor diet) prevalent among first-year university students in Cuenca, Ecuador, risk factors linked to non-communicable diseases. The main objective is to evaluate whether a structured intervention program can foster adherence to regular physical activity and healthy eating habits. The methodology combines an initial cross-sectional descriptive study across four universities to characterize the problem, followed by a 10-month quasi-experimental study. The latter involves a control group, a control group with traditional exercise, and an experimental group receiving the comprehensive program based on Self-Determination Theory to promote intrinsic motivation, along with detailed nutritional education. Validated questionnaires (IPAQ, EVS, AMPEF) and accelerometers (ACTIGRAPH) will be used to measure baseline activity levels and track progress. Statistical analysis will employ SPSS, including ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and MANCOVA to determine the program's effectiveness compared to control groups. The goal is to generate evidence regarding personalized interventions that promote sustainable behavioral changes in the student population.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To analyze the impact of designing and implementing a physical-sports activity program, supplemented with support for autonomy, competence, social relations, and nutritional education, on adherence to regular physical activity practice and healthy eating habits among first-year university students in Cuenca, Ecuador.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Sciences applied to physical activity and sports