The current state of university students’ intention to participate in extracurricular physical activities in China and Vietnam

"Exercise intention" reflects an individual's level of readiness and commitment to participating in sports activities [1]. Based on a theoretical review of exercise intention and the actual engagement in extracurricular sports among university students in China and Vietnam, this study conducts a comparative assessment of students' intentions to participate in extracurricular physical education and sports (PES) activities. Utilizing the Exercise Intention Questionnaire developed by I Ajzen translated and validated by Chinese scholar Fang Min (方敏) and employing various scientific research methods such as document analysis and synthesis, focus group interviews, statistical mathematics, and comparative analysis, the study systematically collects and analyzes data. The research findings indicate that students’ intentions to participate in extracurricular PES activities are influenced by gender and academic year. Notably, Chinese students exhibit a higher level of exercise intention compared to their Vietnamese counterparts. This difference reflects the cultural and educational environment distinctions between the two countries.