Running from burnout? Investigating the role of physical activity in students’ health patterns

Abstract University students face considerable academic stressors, placing them at elevated risk for biopsychosocial health challenges compared to non-academic peers (Sheldon et al., 2021). Physical activity (PA) has been shown to buffer stress and promote well-being in student populations, whereas sedentary time (ST) is linked to adverse health outcomes (Lee & Kim, 2018; Wunsch et al., 2021). However, little is known about how PA and ST relate to academic behavior and experience patterns, which reflect students’ coping with study demands. This study investigates these associations and examines changes across one year of university. We analyzed data from the Lübeck University Students Trial, a longitudinal cohort survey monitoring student health annually. The sample included observations at two time points for students enrolled between 2022 and 2024 (Mage = 22.9). Academic behavior and experience patterns were assessed using the 44-item AVEM (Arbeitsbezogenes Verhaltens- und Erlebensmuster) questionnaire adapted for students (Schaarschmidt & Fischer, 1997), based upon which respondents were classified into health-endangering (A: Exhaustion, B: Burnout) or health-promoting patterns (G: Health, S: Protection). PA and ST were measured using a modified form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (Craig et al., 2003). Data were analyzed regarding transitions to pattern G and the effects of PA and ST on these transitions using (latent) transition analyses. Preliminary results showed lower odds of being in pattern G after one year (OR = 0.83, p < .05), higher odds with more PA (OR = 1.2, p < .01), and lower odds with more ST (OR = 0.93, p = .3). Further validation of these findings is needed. The data suggest that universities may benefit from developing active campus policies to support students’ health. Integrating movement-based initiatives into campus life could encourage healthy coping mechanisms and prevent progression to exhaustion and burnout. Key messages • Physical activity may enhance student health by promoting healthier academic behavior and experience patterns. • Active campus policies could serve as a preventive approach to student stress and burnout.