Asociación entre las variables antropométricas y la actividad física en los docentes de la Universidad Católica de Cuenca campus- Azogues, Ecuador.2024-2025

Abstract

Introduction: Overweight and obesity are common health issues among university faculty members and are associated with low levels of physical activity, which negatively impacts their well-being and quality of life. Objective: To examine the association between anthropometric variables and physical activity among faculty members at the Catholic University of Cuenca, Azogues Campus, Ecuador, during the 2024–2025 academic year. Methodology: An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted with 212 faculty members aged 23 to 72 years, selected through a consensus-based non-probability sampling method. Anthropometric measurements included weight, height, body mass index (BMI), arm circumference, abdominal circumference, calf circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio. Physical activity levels were assessed using the PAQ-1 questionnaire. Results: For the statistical analysis, bivariate analysis and Spearman’s correlation coefficient were used, with a significance level of p < 0.05. The sample consisted of 50.5% women and 49.5% men, of whom 46.7% were classified as overweight and 11.4% as obese. A statistically significant association was identified between arm circumference and physical activity level, suggesting that higher physical exercise levels are associated with healthier muscle mass values in this body region. Conclusions: Arm circumference is an important indicator of the impact of physical activity on muscle mass among university faculty members. The findings highlight the need to implement health promotion strategies and encourage active lifestyles among this population, given the presence of abnormalities in anthropometric variables. Keywords: anthropometry, faculty members, physica exercise, obesity, overweight