Physical activity and the knowledge of students of Wroclaw Medical University on its role in the prophylaxis of diseases - questionnaire study

Background. The physical activity is an important element of the healthy lifestyle. Objectives. The aim of the study was to assess the physical activity and students' knowledge on its role in the prophylaxis of diseases. Material and methods. An investigative tool was the anonymous and voluntary questionnaire. Results. Students spend their free time in front of the computer and TV. Only 49.1% men and 27.7% women exercise regularly. 99% of students know that the physical effort profitably influence the prophylaxis of obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Only in the case of cancer of large intestine the most of students (54.3%) claimed that physical activity does not affect the prophylaxis of this disease. Conclusions. The students know that the physical activity diminishes the risk of development of many diseases, however they spend their free time passively and do not exercise systematically. Men are more active than women.