Effect of Mobile Phone Addiction on Physical Exercise in University Students: Moderating Effect of Peer Relationships

Objective: The influence of mobile phone addiction (MPA) on physical exercise in university students was explored, and peer relationships were introduced as a moderating variable. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was adopted, and an online survey questionnaire was conducted to investigate two universities in Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, and Chongzuo City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. A total of 4959 university students completed the questionnaire. Measurement tools included the Mobile Phone Addiction Tendency Scale, the Physical Activity Rating Scale, and the Peer Rating Scale of university students. Results: University students scored 39.322 ± 15.139 for MPA and 44.022 ± 7.735 for peer relationships, with 87.8% of their physical exercise, in terms of exercise grade, being classified as medium or low intensity. The MPA of the university students was negatively correlated with peer relationships (r = −0.377, p < 0.001) and physical exercise behavior (r = −0.279, p < 0.001). The moderating effect of peer relationships on the MPA-physical exercise behavior relationship was significant (ΔR(2) = 0.03, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The physical exercise of university students was at a medium or low intensity. The more serious the university students’ addiction to mobile phones was, the lower the amount of physical exercise. The physical activity of males was higher than that of females. MPA and peer relationships were the limiting factors of the physical exercise behavior of university students. Under the lower effect of peer relationship regulation, MPA had a greater negative impact on physical exercise behavior. The data from this research can provide theoretical support to improve the participation of university students in physical activities.