Using past Campus Recreational Sports Participation to Explain Current Physical Activity Levels of Alumni

Abstract

The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the role of past recreational sports involvement during the college years in explaining current physical activity patterns in college alumni. Subjects ( n = 311) completed a mailed questionnaire about their current physical activity levels and past campus recreational sports participation that measured (1) the breadth, depth, and quality of past recreational sports involvement and (2) the current level of exercise or physical activity. Overall, the results of the study revealed that over 77% of the respondents agreed that their involvement in recreational sports during college positively influenced their current physical activity levels. Increasing both the depth and breadth of physical activity for students while in college, and more importantly, beyond the college years, is an important goal for campus recreational sports programs.