Effects Of A 10-week Physical Activity Intervention Among Seminary Students

Abstract

PURPOSE: While the number of overweight and obese Americans increases, fewer people meet recommended physical activity levels. Among Americans, 32 - 56% of Christian clergy have obesity and associated chronic diseases. Seminarians are an optimal group to introduce interventions to decrease the prevalence of obesity, as they have the power to improve both their own health as well as the health of those in their congregation. This study aims to determine whether a physical activity intervention in a seminary population is an effective way to improve physical fitness and body composition, in an effort to decrease obesity and related diseases. METHODS: 59 male seminary students (age range 22 - 66 years; mean age 30.12 years) participated in a 10-week physical activity intervention, attending two trainer-led exercise sessions per week for 10 weeks, which including cardiorespiratory and resistance training components. Pre- and post-intervention anthropometric measures included weight, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, and body fat (%). Physical fitness assessments included the Rockport Walk test, cardiorespiratory endurance, and flexibility. Blood panels included a lipid and glucose panel. RESULTS: Results are shown in Table 1 (not all data shown). Body weight, BMI, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol did not change as a result of the intervention. Mean waist circumference decreased 3 cm (p < 0.001). Significant improvements were observed in all physical fitness assessments (all p < 0.05). Mean total cholesterol increased 8.7 mg/dL, HDL cholesterol increased 5 mg/dL, and blood glucose decreased 10 mg/dL (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that a 10-week physical activity intervention in seminary students was effective in improving body composition, physical fitness and blood cholesterol and glucose measures. Results of this study suggest that seminarians may be an optimal group for future interventions to improve overall health and fitness.Table 1: Pre- and post-intervention anthropometric, fitness and blood panel outcomes