Physical Activity Patterns and Behavioral Resilience Among Foggia University Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Public Health Perspective

<b>Background</b>: The (COVID-19) pandemic profoundly disrupted daily routines and physical activity (PA), especially among university students, due to restrictions and limited access to sports facilities. As this group is particularly vulnerable to sedentary lifestyles and mental health issues, understanding their PA patterns is crucial. This study explores overall and domain-specific PA levels and the influence of sociodemographic factors, offering insights for promoting sustainable PA strategies in higher education during and beyond health crises. <b>Methods</b>: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among University of Foggia students during the pandemic. The participants completed the validated Italian IPAQ-Long to assess PA across various domains. Associations with demographics and perceived barriers were analyzed via <i>t</i> tests, ANOVA, and nonparametric tests. <b>Results</b>: A total of 301 students completed the survey. Despite barriers such as limited living space, low income, and sports facility closures, 66% of the participants reported high PA levels, mainly through work-related and leisure activities. This remains insufficient. PA varied significantly by gender, income, residence, and employment status: males reported higher leisure PA, whereas females engaged more in active transport and domestic activities. Rural residents and those with moderate incomes demonstrated higher overall PA, whereas employed students presented lower activity levels. These findings underscore the complex socioeconomic and environmental factors shaping PA behavior during an unprecedented global health crisis. <b>Conclusions</b>: The findings reveal that students' resilience in maintaining PA is a coping mechanism despite socioeconomic and environmental barriers. Tailored, accessible PA initiatives integrated into university curricula can enhance student well-being, academic performance, and long-term health during and after public health emergencies. Universities should adopt accessible, equity-oriented PA initiatives to promote physical and mental health and enhance public-health preparedness during future emergencies.