Background While the level of physical activity recommended by guidelines provides various benefits regarding the musculoskeletal system, inactivity or occupational factors such as extended work hours and ergonomic conditions generate a risk factor for musculoskeletal disorders. Objective This study aimed to characterize musculoskeletal symptoms and academic performance in relation to physical activity levels among university students. Methods The International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) was utilized to determine the physical activity levels of the students, their musculoskeletal disorders were evaluated using the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ), and academic achievement was assessed via Grade Point Average (GPA) (n = 126) . Results A total of 126 students were included in the study; 18.25% were physically active, while 69.04% were inactive. Although not statistically significant, female students (56.00) had higher CMDQ scores than males(21.50) (p = 0.06). Second-year students exhibited higher CMDQ scores than their first-year students (r = 0.178 * ,p = 0.046 ). Conclusions This study revealed insufficient physical activity levels and prevalent musculoskeletal complaints, particularly in the waist, back, and neck regions, among university students. These symptoms were more frequent in second-year students, likely due to increased academic demands and internships. The moderate negative correlation between GPA and physical activity suggests that academic workload may limit exercise engagement. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive student support strategies, including active breaks during classes, promotion of ergonomic study habits, and awareness programs focused on musculoskeletal health to help students balance academic performance with physical well-being.
Tüfekçi et al. (2026) studied this question.