Developing Strategies to Promote Physical Fitness for University Students

Background and Aims: The physical fitness problems of university students must be paid great attention to. As the backbone of training university students, how to guide the students to exercise scientifically and achieve the best physical fitness for effect has become an urgent problem for physical educators in universities and universities. The objective of this research was to develop strategies to promote physical fitness for university students. Methodology: This research is mixed methods research. The population for this research includes 5,275 first-year students enrolled at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies for the 2023 academic year. Using the Taro Yamane formula, the sample size was calculated to be 371 university students. The questionnaire was distributed to 371 university students to investigate the problems and current situation of physical fitness of university students. After that, 7 experts were invited to develop a question framework for a focus group. 10 experts conducted a focus group to develop the question framework for use in the Delphi consensus, and 19 experts were invited to conduct a two-round Delphi consensus, to develop the strategies to promote physical fitness for university students. Finally, a connoisseurship method was used to confirm the developed strategies with 9 experts. The data gathered from the questionnaire were analyzed using the average and standard deviation, while consensus data were evaluated through the median and interquartile range. The established criteria for consensus required a median of ≥ 3.50 and an interquartile range of ≤ 1.50. Results: The strategies to promote physical fitness for university students were organized into 6 key aspects and comprised 51 factors. These 6 key aspects include: (1) Policy and Administrative Support, (2) Physical Education Curriculum and Programs, (3) Facilities and Equipment, (4) Engagement and Motivation, (5) Monitoring and Assessment, and (6) Sustainability of Fitness Programs. Conclusion: The study emphasizes a thorough strategy for improving university students' physical fitness by addressing program sustainability, policy, curriculum, facilities, motivation, and assessment. These six tactical elements guarantee a balanced, encouraging atmosphere for sustained health and fitness.