Physiological Suboptimal Health Phenotypes among University Students within the SHS Framework and Their Association with Physical Activity

In recent years, insufficient physical activity has coincided with suboptimal health among university students. Drawing on the Suboptimal Health Status (SHS) framework, this study surveyed 314 students from multiple provinces/municipalities in China. Physical activity was assessed with a physical activity level scale, and health status with the Sub-Health Measurement Scale Version 1.0 (SHMS V1.0). Correlation and multiple regression analyses were used to test associations. Physical exercise was positively associated with overall health (r = 0.515, p < 0.001) and, after adjusting for sex, only-child status, and place of origin, remained a significant predictor of better health (β = 0.515, t = 10.512, p < 0.001). Sex was associated with exercise level, whereas other demographic variables showed no significant effects on health status. These findings suggest that promoting moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and campus sport participation may improve students’ physiological, psychological, and social adaptation, providing practical guidance for health promotion and exercise prescription in higher education.