Effects Of Peer Support In A Fitness Class On Body Composition In Chinese University Students

Abstract

National student fitness test showed an increasing prevalence of overweight/obesity and deterioration of physical fitness among university students in China. Previous study has reported a positive change on physical activity and health behavior with peer support in elders. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate effects of adopting peer support in fitness classes on students’ body composition. METHODS: Two fitness classes were recruited from the same semester and randomly assigned to class with peer support (CWP, 11F/30M, 19.6 ± 1.3 y, 1.69 ± 0.08 m) or class without peer support (CWOP, 15F/26M, 19.3 ± 1.1 y, 1.69 ± 0.07 m). Both classes adopted the same bodyweight management program for 16 weeks (1 session/week, 90 min/session; 15 min warm-up, 60 min main training and 15 min cool-down for each session). Students in CWP were grouped with 2-3 students and required to train in the same group throughout the program, while CWOP trained individually. Both classes were coached by the same PE teacher in Thursday afternoon. Body composition (InBody320, South Korea), circumference metrics (waist, hip, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), body adiposity index (BAI)) were measured and compared before and after the program. Weekly training frequency and duration after class were collected using a questionnaire. RESULTS: Overall results was presented in Table 1. Specifically, students in both classes improved their body composition and circumference metrics, and changes in muscle mass, body fat percentage, waist circumference, WHR and BDI were greater in CWP. Additionally, CWP trained more frequently (2.6 ± 1.3 vs. 1.3 ± 2.1 times, P < 0.001) and longer (3.2 ± 0.9 vs. 1.6 ± 0.8 h, P = 0.003) than CWOP. CONCLUSION: Peer support can benefit students by improving body composition and training habits. PE teachers are suggested encouraging peer support in their classes for fitness promotion.