Recreación: Acción Integradora en la Optimización de una Condición de Vida Saludable en Estudiantes Universitarios

Recreation: Integrative Action to Optimize Healthy Living among Physical Education Student

Abstract

It is essential for universities to include recreation in their curricula as an activity that fosters the development of actions aimed at developing students' physical fitness, basic motor skills, and sports skills associated with their environment. This research aims to establish the importance of recreation as an integrative action in optimizing healthy living conditions for students majoring in physical education, sports, and recreation. The methodology was based on the positivist paradigm, with a quantitative, descriptive approach and a field design. The sample consisted of 19 faculty members and 187 students from the Universidad del Atlántico and the Universidad Autónoma del Caribe in Barranquilla. Data was collected using a 45-item questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used for data processing, using arithmetic mean analysis. The results reveal that the integrative elements of recreation are considered important by both faculty and students, as they are considered vital aspects for students' biopsychosocial well-being. In conclusion, it is highlighted that recreation, as an integrative action for optimizing healthy living conditions, is key to the well-being of physical education students, as it improves mental health, reduces stress, strengthens motivation, generates joy, optimizes physical fitness and performance, and fosters cooperation and a sense of community.