University staff health: associations between body composition, physical fitness, and quality of life

Abstract

This study analyzed body composition, functional capacity, and quality of life in 34 university staff members (18 women; 31.2 ± 16.6 years), comparing results by sex and age group, and correlating them with length of service. Assessments included BMI, body fat percentage, lean mass, handgrip strength, flexibility, standing long jump, and SF-36 domains, applying Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman’s correlation tests (p < 0.05). Men presented higher body weight (p = 0.009), height (p = 0.001), lean mass (p < 0.001), and vitality (p = 0.035). Age and length of service were associated with anthropometric measures. Length of service was positively correlated with vitality (ρ = 0.55; p < 0.001). These findings suggest associations between occupational characteristics and aspects of perceived health, supporting institutional health promotion strategies.