Path analysis for affecting the physical fitness of marine majors: A cross-sectional observational study from the perspective of health

The physical fitness of marine major students is critically linked to their academic performance and future career prospects. To investigate the influence of various environmental factors on the physical fitness of maritime majors and to identify potential strategies for improving physical fitness among this population. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted among maritime students. The study surveyed and field-tested 517 male marine majors across 1st to 3rd-grade students using a combination of questionnaire surveys and on-site testing methods. There were no significant differences in body mass index (BMI) and social support among these 1st to 3rd-grade students; however, there were differences in sports lifestyle and physical fitness index (PFI). Social support positively correlated with a sports lifestyle. There is no correlation between BMI and PFI. Social support influences the sports lifestyle of marine majors, which in turn affects BMI and PFI. Pleasure-type and fitness-type sports lifestyles serve as mediators between social support and PFI, while BMI is also a mediator between sports lifestyle and PFI. Social support affects the sports lifestyle of marine majors, which affects BMI and directly influences PFI.