Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Biomedical Stomatology Research Group, University of Antioquia U de A, Medellín, Colombia,
2 Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Antioquia U de A, Medellín, Colombia
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Little is known about the inference that physical activity (PA) may have on academic
performance and learning styles of Latin American dental students.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross‑sectional study, an administrative dataset and a voluntary
university characterization provided information about PA and academic performance. Moreover, 218
dental students of the University of Antioquia in Colombia completed a structured questionnaire to
identify their learning styles. To analyze the information obtained a Pearson correlation, and logistic
and linear regression models were implemented.
RESULTS: A total of 131 (60%) students informed being physically active (PA group), and 87 (40%)
did not report PA (non‑PA group). The results showed a high‑grade point average (GPA) in the
PA group (P = 0.01). The PA group showed a preference for the theorist and pragmatist learning
styles with statistically significant differences between the groups (P = 0.004 and P < 0.0001,
respectively). It was also observed a statistically significant Pearson positive correlation between the
theorist style and higher GPA (r = 0.15; P = 0.04). The multivariate regression model showed that
PA protects against lower means of GPA (odds ratio = 0.3; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.09–0.7,
P = 0.01). Furthermore, the adjusted linear regression models also showed that PA protects against
lower means of the theorist (β= −0.15; 95% CI: −0.02 to − 0.002, P = 0.002) and pragmatist styles
(β= −0.18; 95% CI: −0.03 to − 0.006, P = 0.0006). Interestingly, men were statistically significant in
all multivariable models.
DISCUSSION: This study suggests that PA is associated with higher academic performance and
the theorist and pragmatist styles. Male students were also more physically active; therefore, it is
relevant to establish strategies to stimulate physical activities in dental students, especially in women,
including extracurricular activities.
Keywords
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