The authors investigated and then compared associations between 16 variables and vigorous physical activity in a minority student population. The sample (N = 347) drawn from six universities with minority representation ranging from 3% to 17% consisted of African-American (62%), Asians (29%) and Hispanics (9%). No significant differences emerged between race and physical activity levels; however, African-American respondents reported more regular physical activity habits than Asians or Hispanics. Significant (p<.001) differences emerged by gender, with males reporting more vigorous and regular physical activity than females. The regression model accounted for 36% of the variance in physical activity. The strongest individual relationships, explaining 34% of the variation, included gender, benefits, participation in high school varsity sports, participation in youth sports, and barriers. The findings contribute information regarding activity characteristics by race and gender.
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