comparative study of fitness levels, physical health, and mental well-being among students at Mohamed Boudiaf University

Aim: This study aims to investigate the relationship between physical activity (PA) participation and various health outcomes among students, including physical health status, psychological well-being, and fitness parameters, to highlight the importance of regular exercise in youth development. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted with a sample of 30 students who were categorized into active and inactive groups based on self-reported PA levels. Data collection included questionnaires assessing health and well-being, alongside physical fitness tests such as the Sargent jump, 20-meter sprint, and Illinois agility test. Statistical analyses involved Pearson chi-square tests to examine associations between PA participation and health/well-being classifications, and independent t-tests to compare fitness parameters between groups. Results: Findings revealed significant disparities between active and inactive students. Active students were notably more likely to report "Very good" or "Good" health and well-being (29.20% and 42.20%, respectively) compared to inactive students (4.85% and 5.25%). Inactive students exhibited higher proportions in the "Acceptable," "Weak," and "Very weak" categories. Fitness assessments demonstrated that active students outperformed their inactive peers, with improvements of up to 18.4% in sprint times and 15.1% in lower-body power (all p < .001). Chi-square analyses confirmed significant associations between PA participation and health, well-being, and fitness outcomes (p-values ranging from .037 to <.001). Despite limitations such as small sample size and reliance on self-reporting, the results support the positive impact of regular physical activity on youth health and fitness. Conclusion: The study underscores the critical role of organized physical activity in enhancing physical health, psychological well-being, and athletic performance among students. Promoting structured PA programs within educational settings is essential to address inactivity-related health risks and foster healthier, more resilient youth populations.