EXTRAMURAL SPORTS PROGRAMME PARTICIPATION AND STUDENTS’ HEALTH-RELATED INDICES IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS

Abstract

Participation in extramural sports activities has become an integral component of tertiary education due to its contributions to students’ holistic health development. This paper examined the health-related indices of students' participation in extramural sports activities in tertiary institutions, using biopsychosocial, cognitive-behavioural, and physical fitness models as theoretical foundations for conceptualising health outcomes across physiological, psychological, and social indices. Physiological indices which include cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition; Psychological indices which include stress management, emotion regulation, self-esteem, and motivation, and social indices such as teamwork, social integration, and institutional identity were discussed. This paper also highlighted potential risk-related indices such as sports injuries and academic sport conflicts. The review concluded that structured participation in extramural sports significantly enhances students’ physical fitness, mental well-being, and social functioning when properly planned and managed.