Cross-Sectional Relationships between Internet Addiction and Physical Activity in Taiwanese Undergraduate Students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17140/oroj.2025.v11.i01.pp14-18.1421Keywords:
Physical activity; Internet addiction; Undergraduate students.Abstract
Purpose
Internet addiction is a major health concern among undergraduate students; however, few studies have addressed modifiable behavioral factors associated with internet addiction in the context of Taiwan. This study aimed to investigate associations between
physical activity and the risk of internet addiction among undergraduate students in Taiwan.
Methods
In 2017, we recruited 320 undergraduate students from Northern Taiwan to participate in a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey. Physical activity was measured by the Taiwanese short-form version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, which
evaluates an individual’s weekly levels of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity (VPA) and moderate-intensity aerobic physical
activity (MPA). Internet addiction was measured by the Chen Internet Addiction Scale (CIAS).
Results
For the 320 surveyed students, the average CIAS score was 53.3, and 18.13% of participants were at risk for internet addiction
(defined as CIAS score >64). The results of the multiple regression analysis indicated that a routine of at least 150 min of MPA per
week was negatively associated with risk for internet addiction (β=−4.39, 95% CI=[-8.10, -0.66]). No significant associations were
observed between internet addiction and 75 min of VPA or 150 min of total physical activity per week. Among the 5 dimensions
of the CIAS scale, MPA was negatively associated with tolerance symptoms, time-management problems, and interpersonal and
health-related problems when a routine of 150 min per week was adopted.
Conclusion
A routine of 150 min of MPA per week was associated with a lower risk for internet addiction. Intervention efforts aimed at reducing undergraduate students’ problematic internet use should promote recommended levels of MPA. We also recommend longitudinal research on the effects of engaging in physical activity on the risk of internet addition.
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