Physical Activity Behavior in Young Adults

Young adulthood, spanning late adolescence to the mid-twenties, represents a critical window for establishing stable physical activity patterns. During this transition, individuals negotiate new autonomy, academic or occupational demands, and evolving social networks. Patterns of activity are highly variable: while a minority meet established guidelines for moderate-to-vigorous activity, many display episodic or declining engagement, accompanied by extended periods of sedentary behaviour. Motivational orientations shift from extrinsic drivers, such as appearance or academic performance, towards intrinsic goals centred on well-being and stress relief. Structural and environmental factors – including campus facilities, community infrastructure and digital platforms – further modulate participation. Behavioural change theories underscore the interplay of personal confidence, goal setting and social influences in sustaining activity. Interventions delivered within university settings or workplace contexts have demonstrated promise in boosting step counts, enhancing self-efficacy and reshaping habits. Globally, understanding the determinants of young adults’ activity trajectories is essential to mitigate long-term risks of noncommunicable diseases, inform public health policy and design tailored promotion strategies.

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Physical Activity Behavior in Young Adults publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in physical activity behavior in young adults across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA): Activity that elevates heart rate and breathing substantially above resting levels, typically including brisk walking, cycling or sports.

COM-B model: A behavioural framework positing that Capability, Opportunity and Motivation interact to drive Behavioural change.

Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF): An integrative taxonomy of psychological and organisational domains used to identify determinants of behaviour and inform intervention development.

Self-efficacy: An individual’s confidence in their ability to perform specific actions required to achieve desired outcomes, such as regular exercise.

References

1. An 8-Week Peer Health Coaching Intervention among College Students: A Pilot Randomized Study. Nutrients (2023).
2. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy of Physical Activity Interventions among University Students. Sustainability (2024).
3. Key influences on university students’ physical activity: a systematic review using the Theoretical Domains Framework and the COM-B model of human behaviour. BMC Public Health (2024).