Current high level of physical inactivity in undergraduate students is due to reasons that can be classified into external barriers such as time, lack of social support or internal barriers such as apathy toward physical activity. These obstacles may vary depending on the cultural and social context, age and gender of students. The purpose of this study was to identify the specific motivational factors and effects associated with physical-sport practice in undergraduate students, a literature review was developed, focusing on motivational student's perceptions and effects, and identifying research gaps for further researches. The lifestyle-related health and active behavior of an undergraduate student is complex, since it depends on motivational factors for physical practice as extrinsic factors (disease prevention, fitness) and intrinsic factors (pleasure, wellness, stress management), highlighting in students the motivation to achieve their goals, enjoyment or pleasure in practicing an activity. Among the results, students who participate in physical-sport practice are more physically active, so it is important to develop and encourage current programs to maximize their retention, stimulate self-motivation, feelings of autonomy, self-confidence and relatedness and work team.