Effect of regular physical activity upon body image concerning female collegiate students

Abstract

Importance of body image has been very well documented in the research literattture. For girls and females, a positive body image ensures physical and mental health. This study compares the body image of female collegiate students based on their participation in regular physical activity. This study was carried out on 30 female college students engaged in regular physical activity (Average age 19.11 years) and 30 female college students with no active involvement in physical activity (Average age 20.78 years). In the present study activities such as cycling, walking, exercise, yoga was considered to be a physical activity. The sample were students of various higher education colleges operational in Nagpur city. Modified Version of Self Assessment Questionnaire for Body Image, prepared by Agashe and Karkare (2008) was used for assessment of body image. Results reveal the significant beneficial impact of regular physical activity on the body image of female collegiate students. The results were discussed with well-established theories describing the physical exercise and its role in body image.