PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PATTERNS AMONG HIGH SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN THE VISEGRAD GROUP COUNTRIES / RESEARCH PAPER
Integrated 24-hour movement behavior as a key correlate of life satisfaction among university students in the Visegrad Group countries
1
University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
2
Physical Activity Research Group, Szentágothai Research Center, Pécs, Hungary
3
Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, Slovakia
4
John Paul II University in Biała Podlaska, Poland
5
University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Czech Republic
Submission date: 2025-12-21
Final revision date: 2026-02-04
Acceptance date: 2026-02-04
Online publication date: 2026-02-10
Publication date: 2026-02-24
Health Prob Civil. 2026;20(1):79-93
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Background:
Physical activity contributes to physical and psychological well-being, yet the role of combined daily movement behaviors in shaping life satisfaction among emerging adults remains insufficiently understood. The V4More study examined associations between 24-hour movement behavior (24hMB), sport participation, and lifestyle among university students in the Visegrad Group (V4) countries.
Material and methods:
A cross-sectional, quota-based sample of 2,611 students aged 18-29 years was analyzed across Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. Physical activity and sedentary behavior were assessed using IPAQ-LF, while sport participation, sleep, and BMI were self-reported. Life satisfaction was measured using the Cantril Ladder. A composite 24hMB captured adherence to recommendations for physical activity, sedentary time, and sleep. Hierarchical linear regression identified predictors of life satisfaction.
Results:
Mean life satisfaction was moderate (6.71±1.62). Only 26.9% met 24hMB guidelines, while 86.8% sat more than eight hours daily. In regression analysis, 24hMB was the strongest behavioral predictor (β=0.100, p<0.001), followed by weekly sport participation (β=0.098, p<0.001). BMI showed a negative association (β=-0.105, p<0.001).
Conclusions:
Balanced 24hMB and regular sport engagement are modest but meaningful correlates of life satisfaction among V4 students. Findings support whole-day movement promotion focusing on activity, reduced sitting, and healthier sleep routines.
Physical activity contributes to physical and psychological well-being, yet the role of combined daily movement behaviors in shaping life satisfaction among emerging adults remains insufficiently understood. The V4More study examined associations between 24-hour movement behavior (24hMB), sport participation, and lifestyle among university students in the Visegrad Group (V4) countries.
Material and methods:
A cross-sectional, quota-based sample of 2,611 students aged 18-29 years was analyzed across Hungary, Poland, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic. Physical activity and sedentary behavior were assessed using IPAQ-LF, while sport participation, sleep, and BMI were self-reported. Life satisfaction was measured using the Cantril Ladder. A composite 24hMB captured adherence to recommendations for physical activity, sedentary time, and sleep. Hierarchical linear regression identified predictors of life satisfaction.
Results:
Mean life satisfaction was moderate (6.71±1.62). Only 26.9% met 24hMB guidelines, while 86.8% sat more than eight hours daily. In regression analysis, 24hMB was the strongest behavioral predictor (β=0.100, p<0.001), followed by weekly sport participation (β=0.098, p<0.001). BMI showed a negative association (β=-0.105, p<0.001).
Conclusions:
Balanced 24hMB and regular sport engagement are modest but meaningful correlates of life satisfaction among V4 students. Findings support whole-day movement promotion focusing on activity, reduced sitting, and healthier sleep routines.
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