College student aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity: Disparities between cis-gender and transgender students in the United States

Abstract

Objective: To examine aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity disparities among college cis-gender and transgender students adjusting for other socio-demographic characteristics (age, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation). Methods: National Collegiate Health Assessment (NCHA) data collected between Fall 2015 and Fall 2018 were analyzed using chi-square tests for independence and odds ratios. Results: Cis-gender women were significantly less likely to meet aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity recommendations compared to cisgender men. Transgender men and transgender women were less likely to meet aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity recommendations compared to cisgender peers. Differences were also revealed among transgender individuals, with transgender women more and less likely to meet aerobic and muscle-strengthening recommendations respectively compared to transgender men. Conclusions: Considerable aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity participation disparities exist between cisgender and transgender emerging adults. The unique constraints that transgender college students experience in relation to both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity participation require further examination to ensure the provision of equitable opportunities to be physically active.

Keywords: Exercise; gender; health; race; sexual orientation; young adults.