Sports and Recreational Activities of the Academic Staff in the Tetovo Region

Abstract

Study aim(s): The study aims to determine the physical activity and type of exercises and sports used by the staff in the Tetovo region and the gender differences in physical activity.

Methods: The research was conducted among a group of 179 respondents divided into two subgroups (75 female respondents and 104 male respondents) at the ages of 25 to 65. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used in the process of assessing physical activity levels. Statistical analysis was conducted by using the SPSS 26 packet program and the descriptive statistics were applied to carry out the findings of the study. The physical activity level of the academic staff is expressed in frequencies and percentages and it was established that the ratio validity limit-state is 95%.

Results: The findings have shown that 24% of the male staff and 26.70% of the female staff reached the recommended level of physical activity. The set physical activity criterion is not met by 76% of the male staff and 73.30% of the female staff and they were classified as “insufficiently active”.

Conclusions: It has been concluded that the academic staff in the Tetovo region is not physically active enough based on the recommended level of moderate-intensity physical activity, which is 30 minutes per day (five days a week). Based on the results of this research, it can be concluded that it is necessary to urgently take measures to increase the level of physical activity among the teaching staff in this region.