UAEU Exercise Physiology Lab Publishes First Study On Female Students In The Middle East

The College of Education at United Arab Emirates University has released its first study using data from the Exercise Physiology Laboratory. The research focuses on cardiometabolic risk factors, physical activity, and health beliefs among female students. It signals growing research capacity in health and exercise sciences within the college and provides practical evidence that is relevant for policymakers, universities, and health planners in the Middle East.

The study reports that positive beliefs about health and exercise alone do not guarantee better cardiometabolic outcomes. Greater value placed on physical activity is associated with changes in fat, muscle, and bone mass. However, higher interest in being active is more closely linked to actual engagement in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among the participating students.

The research examines how expectancy- and value-based beliefs relate to cardiometabolic risk factors and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. The sample consists of 221 female university students from the Middle East, mainly in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, with an average age of 20.6 years. The team evaluates both psychological drivers and measured physiological indicators collected in the Exercise Physiology Laboratory.

The paper, titled "Expectancy Beliefs and Values Underlying Cardiometabolic Risk Factors and Physical Activity in Middle Eastern Female College Students," appears in the peer-reviewed Journal of Physical Activity and Health. It forms part of a wider project that studies links between psychological motivation and physiological measures among female university students, offering a structured framework for future health research in the region.

The study is led by Dr. Arto Grasten. Students Wadha Al Derei, Alia Al Hassani, Nawal Al Mehairi, Wadima Al Ketbi, and Al Yazia Al Ketbi contribute by collecting and coding data in the Exercise Physiology Laboratory. Their participation forms part of an integrated research experience that links academic learning with real laboratory work on physical activity and cardiometabolic risk factors.

Chair of the Physical Education Department, Dr. Arto Juhani Grasten, highlights the importance of this output for the Exercise Physiology Laboratory and departmental strategy. He said, "This is the first research publication based on data collected from the Exercise Physiology Laboratory. It reflects the growing research capabilities of the department. We are working to strengthen the laboratory’s role as a scientific platform for studies that promote student health, physical activity, and well-being both inside and outside the UAE."

Physical activity beliefs, cardiometabolic risk factors and Exercise Physiology Laboratory development

Vice Dean of the College of Education, Dr. Mona Aljanahi, notes that the project supports the college’s long-term research goals and its focus on applied outcomes. She stated, "This publication is a milestone in the college’s journey, and it proves our efforts in developing a motivating research environment that combines academic expertise with practical application. It reaffirms the success of our faculty and students in producing scientific knowledge that serves the community and promotes quality of life."

The findings show that the relationship between beliefs, cardiometabolic risk factors, and physical activity behaviour is complex. Health-related expectations and values do not automatically shift objective health indicators. The results point to the need for broad, multidimensional programmes that combine education, behavioural support, and structured activity opportunities for female students, especially within universities in Abu Dhabi and across the wider Middle East.

The publication strengthens the role of the Exercise Physiology Laboratory as a research base for the College of Education and United Arab Emirates University. It offers evidence that can inform regional health initiatives aimed at female students, while also supporting the development of future research addressing cardiometabolic risk factors, physical activity patterns, and health beliefs in similar university populations.

With inputs from WAM