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Research Article

Vol. 1 No. 3 (2025): International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research

Factors Influencing Chinese Students’ Physical Exercise Behavior— A Qualitative Systematic Literature Review

DOI
https://doi.org/10.65231/ijmr.v1i3.102
Submitted
December 20, 2025
Published
2025-12-30

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify the main factors influencing college students’ physical exercise behavior and to analyze their interrelationships using a bibliometric approach. A total of 189 scientific publications on students’ sports behavior indexed in the CNKI database from 2001 to 2024 were selected as the research material. Using CiteSpace software, trends in publication output, major research themes, and the structural framework of influencing factors were systematically analyzed. The results indicate that college students’ physical exercise behavior is shaped by a complex interaction of personal, environmental, and sociocultural factors. Intrinsic motivation, self-efficacy, and awareness of the value of physical activity play a leading role in sustaining regular participation in exercise, while individual differences and physical condition determine the intensity and stability of exercise behavior. In addition, the accessibility of sports infrastructure, social support, and the sociocultural environment provide essential external conditions for students’ engagement in physical activity. These findings highlight the necessity of adopting a comprehensive approach to fostering sustainable physical exercise behavior within higher education systems.

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