Disorder of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis induced by abusing of anabolic-androgenic steroids for short time: A case report.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis functionality on a bodybuilding competitioner before, during and after the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids. A young healthy man was followed up for 4 months. The subject reported his drug administration protocol through periodic interviews and performed laboratory tests to monitor the function of his hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Time 1 (before the steroids use) shows all hormones levels (follicle-stimulating hormone = 4,2 mUI/ml, luteinising hormone = 3,7 mUI/ml and total testosterone = 5,7 ng/ml) within reference values. In Time 2, after 8 weeks on steroids abuse, a complete hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis derangement is evident with noticeable negative feedback (follicle-stimulating hormone = 1,47 mUI/ml, luteinising hormone = 0,1 mUI/ml and total testosterone = 1,47 ng/ml). At the third moment (40 days after Time 2), we can see a tendency to recovery, however, the serum levels of the investigated hormones were still considerably lower than the baseline values. At the end, we could conclude that the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids, at supraphysiological dosages, even for a short time (8 weeks), causes severe disorder in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The endogenous testosterone synthesis was severely compromised by important decline in serum luteinising hormone levels.

Perception of lower back pain associated with use of body armor in police officers of the countryside specialized battalion of Ceará, Brazil.

Introduction: The strict demands of the military environment, associated with the increase in violence, as well as the frequent use of body armor, can further aggravate health problems. Objectives: To investigate the perception of police officers of the Countryside Specialized Police Battalion in relation to comfort, fatigue, and lower back pain, resulting from the use of body armor. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted with 260 male military police officers (34.62 ± 5.83 years old) belonging to the ostensive rural police battalion in the state of Ceará, Brazil. The questionnaire related to comfort, fatigue, and lower back pain was used to identify the perception of pain from the use of body armor, with staggered responses, and the results were analyzed using the SPSS 21.0 software. Results: Regarding the use of body armor, 41.5% of participants perceived it to be little comfortable in general; furthermore, 45 and 47.5% of military police officers considered it little comfortable in relation to weight and use during operational activities, respectively. With regard to body measurements, 48.5% reported being little comfortable, and 70% perceived that the body armor is adjustable to the body. At the end of the work shift, 37.3% complained of lower back pain, and 45.8% felt moderate fatigue. Moreover, 70.1% felt pain in the lower back after the work shift. Conclusions: Military police officers reported lower back pain at the end and after the work shift due to use of body armor, as well as little comfort of the protective equipment and moderate fatigue at the end of the work shift.

Introdução: As rigorosas exigências do ambiente militar associadas ao aumento da violência, bem como ao uso frequente do colete balístico, podem agravar ainda mais os problemas de saúde. Objetivos: Investigar a associação do uso de colete balístico em relação ao conforto, à fadiga e à queixa de lombalgia em policiais do batalhão especializado do Ceará. Métodos: Tratou-se de um estudo transversal realizado com 260 policiais militares do sexo masculino (34,62 ± 5,83 anos) pertencentes ao batalhão de policiamento ostensivo rural do estado do Ceará. O questionário relacionado a conforto, fadiga e dores na região lombar foi utilizado para identificar a percepção de dor pelo uso do colete balístico, com respostas escalonadas, e seus resultados foram analisados no software SPSS 21.0. Resultados: Quanto ao uso do colete, 41,5% perceberam ser pouco confortável no geral; e 45 e 47,5% dos policiais militares consideraram ser pouco confortável em relação ao peso e em relação ao uso durante as atividades operacionais, respectivamente. No que se refere às medidas corporais, 48,5% reportaram ser confortável, e 70% percebem o colete como ajustável ao corpo. No momento da finalização do turno de trabalho, 37,3% apresentam dores na região lombar e 45,8% sentem fadiga moderada. Após o encerramento do turno de trabalho, 70,1% sentem dores na região lombar. Conclusões: Os policiais militares perceberam dores na região lombar ao final e depois do turno de trabalho pelo uso do colete balistico, além de relatarem sobre o pouco conforto do equipamento de proteção e sobre a fadiga moderada ao fim do turno de trabalho.

Lack of professional recognition: main reason for stress in military police.

Introduction: Military police officers play a crucial role in contemporary society, which is marked by the increase in criminality. Therefore, these professionals are constantly under pressure, both socially and professionally, so occupational stress is something present in their routine. Objectives: To investigate the stress levels of military police officers in the municipality of Fortaleza and its metropolitan region. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, quantitative study, conducted with 325 military police officers (53.1% men; 20> 51 years old) who belonged to military police battalions. The Police Stress Questionnaire was used to identify the stress level, following the Likert scale from 1 to 7; the higher the score, the higher the stress level. Results: The results indicated that the lack of professional recognition is the main stress factor among military police officers (Median = 7.00). Other items were relevant to the quality of life of these professionals, which are: "risks of injuries or wounds resulting from the profession", "working on days off", "lack of human resources", "excessive bureaucracy in the police service", " having the perception that we are pressured to give up free time "," lawsuits resulting from police service," "going to court, relationship with the judicial actors, " and "use of inadequate equipment for the service," respectively (Median = 6. 00). Conclusions: The stress of these professionals is organizational in nature and comes from factors that transcend the violence with which they deal.

Introdução: O policial militar desempenha uma função de suma relevância na sociedade contemporânea, a qual é marcada pelo avanço da criminalidade. Desse modo, esse profissional se encontra constantemente sob pressão, tanto social quanto trabalhista, de maneira que o estresse ocupacional é algo presente em sua rotina. Objetivos: Investigar os níveis de estresse em policiais militares da cidade de Fortaleza e região metropolitana. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, de natureza quantitativa, realizado com 325 policiais militares, sendo (53,1% do sexo masculino; 20 > 51 anos de idade) pertencentes aos batalhões de policiamento militar. O questionário Police Stress Questionnaire foi utilizado para identificar o nível de estresse, seguindo a escala Likert de 1 a 7 - quanto maior a pontuação, maior o nível de estresse. Resultados: Os resultados indicaram que a falta de reconhecimento profissional é o principal fator de estresse entre os policiais militares (mediana = 7,00). Outros itens foram relevantes na qualidade de vida desses profissionais, são eles: "riscos de lesões ou ferimentos resultantes da profissão", "trabalhar em dias de folga", "falta de recursos humanos", "excesso de burocracia no serviço policial", "ter a percepção que somos pressionados a abdicar o tempo livre", "processos de justiça decorrentes do serviço policial", "idas ao tribunal, relação com os intervenientes judiciais" e "uso de equipamentos inadequado para o serviço" respectivamente (mediana = 6,00). Conclusões: O estresse desses profissionais é de cunho organizacional e provém de fatores que transcendem à violência com a qual lidam.

Perceived barriers to physical activity during the 2nd lockdown in a northeastern state of Brazil.

Background: The practice of physical activity has been recommended during the pandemic period of COVID-19 as a way of preventing the worsening of physical and mental health. After the increase in COVID-19 cases in Brazil and the new lockdown decrees, many people have reported that they are unable to engage in physical activity during the lockdown. Aims: The present study aimed to investigate the barriers to physical activity in the 2nd lockdown in the state of Ceará, Northeast Brazil. Methods: 1036 (55.6% women) residents of the state of Ceará, Northeastern Brazil participated in the study. For data collection, a questionnaire was used including sample characterization questions, physical activity, and barriers to physical activity during the 2nd lockdown in the state of Ceará. This instrument was made available by Google Forms, between March 8th and 19th, 2021. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used for data analysis. Results: The three most relevant barriers were: Lack of motivation (7.3%), lack of space at home (5.9%) professional instructions (2.8%). The lack of space at home barrier was associated with age (OR = 2.56; CI 95% 1.05-6.02) and living in the capital (OR = 2.53; CI 95% 1.26-5.33). The barriers, taking care of children (OR = 3.75; CI 95% 1.37-10.2) and increased time spent on daily activities (OR = 2.20; CI 95% 1.02-4.74) were associated with living in the metropolitan region. Conclusion: The lack of motivation, space at home, and professional instruction showed as being limiting factors to physical activity during the lockdown, indicating plans of action aimed at encouraging the practice of physical activity during a pandemic period.

Asthma control, social jetlag, and sleep impairment in high school adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: Social jetlag is associated with several negative health outcomes, but its impact on asthma control has not been previously investigated. Although impaired sleep is common in asthma, studies on the relationship between sleep quality, social jetlag and asthma control in adolescents are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between asthma control and sleep quality, sleep-wake pattern and excessive daytime sleepiness in adolescents. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 1457 Brazilian high-school adolescents. Asthma was identified using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire, and disease control was measured by the Asthma Control Test. Sleep-wake pattern and social jetlag were assessed by the Munich Chrono-Type Questionnaire; sleep quality, by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index; and daytime sleepiness, by the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. RESULTS: Asthma was present in 250 (17.2%) participants and was classified as uncontrolled in 120 (47.9%). Both uncontrolled and controlled asthma groups, compared with non-asthmatics, had worse sleep quality (81.7% vs 77.4% vs 56.5%; p < 0.001) and excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS: 56.2% vs 56.5% vs 39.2%; p < 0.001). On average, adolescents with uncontrolled asthma, compared to non-asthmatics, showed later sleep onset (mean ± SD: 23:54pm ± 1 h:45min vs 23:20pm ± 1 h:27min; p = 0.002) and shorter sleep duration (5.7 h ± 1.8 h vs 6.3 h ± 1.4 h; p = 0.002) on school days. No significant difference in social jetlag was found among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Asthma is associated with EDS and poor-quality sleep in adolescents. Social jetlag is common in these subjects and is not related to the presence and control of asthma.

Sleep duration and daytime sleepiness in a large sample of Brazilian high school adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and main factors associated with short and long sleep duration and excessive daytime sleepiness in Brazilian adolescents. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 11.525 students of both genders, aged 14-17 years, from the public high-school system. Sleep duration was assessed by self-report and <8 h of sleep per day was considered short sleep and >10 h, long sleep. Socio-demographic and behavioral factors were investigated through a purpose-built questionnaire and daytime somnolence was assessed by the Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS). RESULTS: The overall prevalence of short and long sleep was 54.7% and 3.3%, respectively. Frequency of short sleep was lowest in the afternoon shift (38.2%) and highest in the morning shift (62.9%) and full-day students (70.0%). Insufficient sleep was more frequent in working (63.0%) than non-working adolescents (53.1%; p = 0.001) and among those who used their cell phone before bedtime (56.3%) compared to non-users (49.7%, p = 0.001). On average, ESS score was higher in subjects with short and long sleep (respectively, 9.7 ± 4.4 and 10.0 ± 4.5) compared to those with normal sleep duration (8.9 ± 4.2; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Insufficient sleep and excessive daytime sleepiness are very common among urban high-school Brazilian adolescents. Full day and morning school shifts are associated with short sleep and daytime somnolence, suggesting later start times may have a role in reducing sleep loss in these subjects. Older age, work activity, and cell phone use before bedtime, are also risk factors for of short sleep in adolescents. Although less common, long sleep can also be associated with excessive daytime sleepiness.

Níveis de ansiedade em atletas de jiu-jítsu pré-competição / Anxiety levels in athletespre-competition jiu-jitsu / Niveles de ansiedade em deportistas jiu-jitsu previo a la competición

Introdução: A ansiedade pré-competitiva é um dos fatores psicológicos que pode exercer grande influência sobre o rendimento de atletas, principalmente quando se trata de esporte individual e de contato como o jiu-jítsu. Objetivo: Com isso, o objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar os níveis de ansiedade-estado competitiva entre atletas de jiu-jítsu, correlacionando gênero, experiência em campeonatos e nível técnico na arte marcial. Metodologia: A amostra foi composta por 65 atletas de jiu-jítsu (72,3% de homens). Para obtenção dos dados sobre a ansiedade pré-competitiva dos lutadores, utilizou-se o instrumento CSAI-2R (Competitive Scale Anxiety invetory 2R), em uma versão adaptada a modalidade esportiva e na língua portuguesa. Resultados e discussão:Os resultados mostram que, a ansiedade autoconfiança destaca-se entre os homens (22,195,2), competidores que já participaram de outros eventos de lutas (21,85,7) e para os que possuem maior nível técnico de jiu-jítsu, ou seja, faixas pretas (26,0042). Neste estudo não foram identificadas diferenças significativas entre aqueles indivíduos que possuem mais ou menos horas de sono pré-competição. Conclusão: Concluiu-se que os homens, competidores que já participaram de outros campeonatos e com maior nível técnico (faixa preta) apresentam maior autoconfiança.

Introduction: Pre-competition anxiety is one of the psychological factors that can exert great influence on athletes' performance, especially when it comes to individual and contact sports such as jiu-jitsu. Objective: With that, the objective of this study was to evaluate the levels of competitive state anxiety among jiu-jitsu athletes, correlating gender, experience in championships, and technical level in the martial art. Methodology: The sample consisted of 65 jiu-jitsu athletes (72.3% men). To obtain data on the fighters' pre-competitive anxiety, the CSAI-2R (Competitive Scale Anxiety Inventory 2R) instrument was used, in a version adapted to the sport modality and in the Portuguese language. Results and Discussion: The results show that self-confidence anxiety stands out among men (22.19 ± 5.2), competitors who have already participated in other fight events (21.8 ± 5.7), and for those with a higher technical level of jiu-jitsu, that is, the black belts (26.00 ± 4.2). In this study, no significant differences were identified between those individuals who had more or fewer hours of pre-competition sleep. Conclusion: It was concluded that men, competitors who have participated in other championships, and those with a higher technical level (black belt) have greater self-confidence.

Introducción: La ansiedad precompetitiva es uno de los factores psicológicos que puede tener una gran influencia en el rendimiento de los deportistas, especialmente cuando se trata de deportes individuales y de contacto como el jiu-jitsu. Objetivo: Por tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los niveles de ansiedad estado competitiva entre deportistas de jiu-jitsu, correlacionando género, experiencia en campeonatos y nivel técnico en el arte marcial. Metodología: La muestra estuvo compuesta por 65 deportistas de jiu-jitsu (72,3% hombres). Para obtener datos sobre la ansiedad precompetitiva de los luchadores, se utilizó el instrumento CSAI-2R (Competitive ScaleAnxietyinvetory 2R), en versión adaptada al deporte y en portugués. Resultados y discusión: Los resultados muestran que la ansiedad por la confianza en uno mismo destaca entre los hombres (22,195,2), los competidores que ya han participado en otras pruebas de lucha (21,85,7) y para aquellos que tienen un mayor nivel técnico de jiu-jitsu, es decir, cinturones negros (26,0042). En este estudio no se identificaron diferencias significativas entre aquellos individuos que dormían más o menos horas antes de la competición. Conclusión: Se concluyó que los hombres, competidores que ya participaron en otros campeonatos y con mayor nivel técnico (cinturón negro) tienen mayor confianza en sí mismos.

Percepção de barreiras para prática de atividade física em estudantes do curso de educação física / Perception of a barrier to physical activity in physical education students / Percepción de barreras a la actividad física en estudiantes de educación física

Objetivo: identificar a percepção dos estudantes do curso de educação física, sobre as principais barreiras para prática de atividade física e sua relação com variáveis sociodemográficas. Metodologia:estudo transversal realizado com 1.369 estudantes (876 do sexo masculino; média deidade 24,7±6,5) do curso de educação física de dois centros urbanos do Ceará, Brasil. Foram coletadas informações sociodemográficas, prática de atividadefísica(sim ou não) e barreiras percebidas. O teste do Qui-quadrado foi utilizado para associação das variáveis sociodemográficas com as principais barreiras percebidasentre os estudantes que reportaram não praticar atividade física, adotando-se p≤0,05. Resultados:do total, 13,4%, (182 estudantes) não praticavam atividade física. As principais barreiras percebidas para a prática de atividade física foram, tempo dedicado aos estudos (53,5%), jornada de trabalho extensa (49,2%), tarefas domésticas (38,1%), falta de recursos financeiros (36,0%) ecompromissos familiares (33,9%). As principais barreiras percebidas estiveram associadas ao trabalho, sendo o tempo dedicado aos estudos (p=0,034) e a jornada de estudos extensa (p=0,001) mais prevalentesentre os estudantes trabalhadores, enquanto que a falta de recursos financeiros (p=0,032) eoscompromissos familiares (p=0,014) nos desempregados. Conclusão: o tempo dedicado aos estudos foi a principal barreira percebida. Entre as principais barreiras apenas a tarefa doméstica não esteve associada ao trabalho. Observou-se ainda que as principais barreiras percebidas são de cunho social.

Objective: to identify the perception of students of the physical education course, about the main barriers to the practice of physical activity and its relationship with sociodemographic variables. Methodology:cross-sectional study carried out with 1,369 students (876 male; mean age 24.7 ± 6.5) of the physical education course in two urban centers in Ceará, Brazil. Sociodemographic information, physical activity practice (yes or no) and perceived barriers were collected. The chi-square test was used to associate sociodemographic variables with the main perceived barriers among students who reported not practicing physical activity, adopting p≤0.05. Results:Of the total, 13.4% (182 students) did not practice physical activity. The main perceived barriers to the practice of physical activity were, time dedicated to studies (53.5%), long working hours (49.2%), domestic tasks (38.1%), lack of financial resources (36.0%) and family commitments (33.9%). The main perceived barriers were associated with work, with time devoted to studies (p=0.034) and extended study hours (p=0.001) more prevalent among working students, while the lack of financial resources (p=0.032) and family commitments (p=0.014) for the unemployed. Conclusion:the time dedicated to studies was the main perceived barrier. Among the main barriers, only the domestic task was not associated with work. It was also observed that the main perceived barriers are of a social nature.

Objetivo: identificar la percepción de los estudiantes del curso de Educación Física, sobre las principales barreras para la práctica de actividad física y su relación con variables sociodemográficas. Metodología:estudio transversal realizado con 1.369 estudiantes (876 hombres; edad promedio 24,7 ± 6,5) del curso de educación física en dos centros urbanos de Ceará, Brasil. Se recogió información sociodemográfica, práctica de actividad física(sí o no) y barreras percibidas. Se utilizó la prueba de chi-cuadrado para asociar variables sociodemográficas con las principales barreras percibidas entre los estudiantes que relataron no practicar actividad física, adoptando p≤0,05. Resultados:del total, 13,4% (182 estudiantes) no practicaban actividad física. las principales barreras percibidas para la práctica de actividad física fueron, tiempo dedicado a los estudios (53,5%), jornada laboral prolongada (49,2%), tareas domésticas (38,1%), falta de recursos económicos (36,0%) y compromisos familiares (33,9%). Las principales barreras percibidas estuvieron asociadas al trabajo, siendo el tiempo de dedicación a los estudios (p=0,034) y las largas horas de estudio (p=0,001) más prevalentes entre los estudiantes trabajadores, mientras que la falta de recursos económicos (p=0,032) y compromisos (p = 0,014) para los desempleados. Conclusión:el tiempo dedicado a los estudios fue la principal barrera percibida. Entre las principales barreras, solo las tareas domésticas no estaban asociadas al trabajo. También se observó que las principales barreras percibidas son sociales.

Uso do celular antes de dormir: um fator com maior risco para sonolência excessiva em adolescentes de escolas militares / Cell phone use before bedtime: a risk factor for excessive sleepiness in adolescents from military schools

OBJETIVO: Investigar a prevalência de sonolência diurna excessiva (SDE) e os fatores associados em adolescentes de escolas militares. MÉTODOS: Participaram 466 adolescentes do ensino médio (15 a 17 anos) de ambos os sexos (230 homens). Os participantes foram entrevistados sobre as características sociodemográficas e sobre a duração de sono (semana e final de semana), adotando-se valores < 8 horas de sono como tempo insuficiente de sono. A SDE foi avaliada com a escala de sonolência de Epworth, na qual os adolescentes que obtivessem escores ≥ 10 apresentavam SDE. RESULTADOS: A prevalência geral de SDE foi de 34,1%. A média de horas de sono foi de 6,9 h (±1,85) em dias da semana e de 8,5 h (±1,96) nos fins de semana. Identificou-se que 60% dos adolescentes apresentaram baixa duração do sono semanal (p = 0,05). Observaram-se, no modelo final de regressão, maiores riscos de SDE nos indivíduos com baixa duração de sono (OR: 1,55; IC de 95%: 1,04-2,31) e que utilizavam o celular antes de dormir (OR: 4,30; IC de 95%: 2,00-9,23). CONCLUSÃO: A SDE foi fortemente associada ao uso de celular antes de dormir. Outros fatores associados são sono insuficiente e estudar em tempo integral. Medidas educacionais, administrativas e de saúde são necessárias para melhorar o sono em adolescentes.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and associated factors in adolescents attending military schools. METHODS: 466 high school students (15-17 years old) of both sexes (230 men) participated. Participants were interviewed about sociodemographic characteristics and sleep duration (week and weekend), adopting values < 8 hours of sleep as insufficient sleep time. EDS was assessed with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale; where students with scores ≥ 10 had EDS. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of EDS was 34.1%. The mean for sleep hours was 6.9 h (±1,85) on weekdays and 8.5 h (±1.96) on weekends. It was identified that 60% of the adolescents presented short weekly sleep duration (p = 0.05). In the final regression model, higher EDS risks were observed in those subjects that had a short sleep duration (OR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.04-2.31) and those that used the cell phone before bedtime (OR: 4.30; 95% CI: 2.00-9.23). CONCLUSION: EDS was strongly associated with cell phone use before bedtime. Other associated factors are insufficient sleep and studying full-time. Educational, administrative and health measures are needed to improve sleep in adolescents.

Barreiras percebidas para a prática de atividade física em universitários da área da saúde de uma instituição de ensino superior da cidade de Fortaleza, Brasil / Perceived barriers to the practice of physical activity in University Students of Health Sciences of a higher education institution in the city of Fortaleza, Brazil

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a prática de atividade física e as principais barreiras percebidas, bem com investigar sua associação com variáveis sociodemográficas, em universitários da área da saúde. Estudo transversal realizado com 736 universitários (≤ 18 e ≥ 36 anos de idade) de ambos os sexos, de uma instituição de ensino superior da cidade de Fortaleza, Brasil. Foram coletadas informações sociodemográficas, prática de atividade (sim ou não) e barreiras percebidas. O teste do Qui-quadrado foi utilizado para associação das variáveis sociodemográficas com as principais barreiras percebidas e a prática de atividade física, adotando-se p≤0,05. As principais barreiras percebidas foram: jornada de estudos extensa (33,4%), falta de energia/cansaço (20,7%), falta de companhia (18,1%), jornada de trabalho extensa (17,8%) e falta de interesse (17,0%). Essas barreiras foram associadas ao semestre letivo (p≤0,001). A jornada de estudos extensa e jornada de trabalho extensa estiveram associadas ao sexo (p≤0,004) e a faixa etária (p≤0,001). A prática de atividade física esteve associada ao sexo, curso e semestre letivo (p≤0,001). Conclui-se que a jornada de estudos extensa foi apontada como a principal barreira para a prática de atividade física entre os universitários. Em geral as principais barreiras percebidas eram de cunho social, comportamental e físicas. As principais barreiras percebidas estiveram associadas ao semestre letivo.

This study aimed to analyze the physical activity and the main barriers perceived by university students, as well as to investigate Its association with sociodemographic variable. This was a Cross-sectional study with 736 university students (≤ 18 and ≥ 36 years old) of both genders, at a higher education institution in the city of Fortaleza, Brazil. Sociodemographic information, activity practice (yes or no) and perceived barriers were collected. The chi-square test was used to associate the sociodemographic variables with the main perceived barriers and the practice of physical activity, adopting p≤0.05. The main perceived barriers were extensive study hours (33.4%), lack of energy / fatigue (20.7%), lack of company (18.1%), extensive workload (17.8%) and lack of Of interest (17.0%). These barriers were associated to the semester (p≤0.001). The extensive study journey and extended working day were associated with gender and age group (p≤0.004 and p≤0.001 respectively). The practice of physical activity was associated to sex, course and semester (p≤0.001). It was concluded that the extensive study periods was considered the main barrier to physical activity among university students. It is expected that these results will serve as a reference for the systematization of possible interventions in order to develop healthy living habits in university students. In general, the main perceived barriers were social, behavioral and physical. The main perceived barriers were associated with the semester.