Abstract

The aims of this study were: (1) to describe the empirical investigations developed on the physical activity in university students and (2) to specify limitations and orientations indicated in the studies on physical activity in university students. A Systematic review of Web of Science (WOS) and Scielo databases was developed between 2012 and 2018. Country, design, sample, objectives and instruments for measuring research were the finding of the first aim. Regarding the second aim, the two main limitations stated in the studies are the use of self-report measurement instruments and the designs that are mainly correlation and scarce quasi-experimentation; The two main orientations are that universities promote physical activity through intervention programs and that it be integrated into the curriculum.