Physical Activity In College Students Research Articles

Tempering the Decline in College Student Physical Activity Using Informational Interventions: Moderating Effects of Stress and Stage of Change

An intervention was conducted to identify effective but feasible ways to combat the decline in physical activity (PA) among college students. One hundred forty-six first year college students were randomly assigned to one of three brief interventions: brochures, a classroom presentation, or an in-person demonstration. Benefiting from the study, having low perceived stress, and being in a later stage of change for PA were expected to protect against the typical decreases in PA outcomes. Declines in PA were slowed or reversed when students were influenced by the intervention, had lower stress, and were in earlier stages of change. Students may benefit from simple interventions such as one-time seminars and brochures explaining fitness guidelines, especially if combined with a stress management intervention.

Does the Association between Depressive Symptomatology and Physical Activity Depend on Body Image Perception? A Survey of Students from Seven Universities in the UK

This cross-sectional study assessed the association between depression and PA in university students of both genders and the role of body image perception as a potential effect modifier. Undergraduate students (N = 3706) from seven universities in the UK completed a self-administered questionnaire that assessed sociodemographic information; a range of health, health behaviour and health awareness related factors; the modified version of Beck’s Depression Inventory (M-BDI); educational achievement, and different levels of physical activity (PA), such as moderate PA (at least 5 days per week moderate exercise of at least 30 minutes), and vigorous PA (at least 3 days per week vigorous exercise of at least 20 minutes). Only 12.4% of the sample achieved the international recommended level for moderate PA, and 33.1% achieved the recommendations for vigorous PA. Both moderate and vigorous PA were inversely related to the M-BDI score. Physically active students, regardless of the type of PA, were significantly more likely to perceive their health as good, to have higher health awareness, to perform strengthening exercises, and to be males. The stratified analyses indicated that the association between depression and PA differed by body image. In students perceiving their body image as ‘just right’, moderate (>4th percentile) and high (>5th percentile) M-BDI scores were inversely related to vigorous PA. However, in students who perceived their body image as ‘overweight’, the inverse association was only significant in those with high M-BDI scores. We conclude that the positive effect of PA on depression could be down modulated by the negative impact of a ‘distorted’ body image on depression. The practical implications of these findings are that PA programmes targeting persons with depressive symptoms should include effective components to enhance body image perception.

Physical Activity and Screen Time Sedentary Behaviors in College Students

It is well established that Americans are not meeting physical activity (PA) guidelines and college students are no exception. Given the lack of regular PA, many health promotion professionals seek to discover what barriers to PA may exist. A common explanation is screen time (ST), which is comprised primarily of television viewing, computer use, and the playing of video games. The purpose of this study was to present descriptive data on college students’ PA and sedentary behavior and to assess if any evidence exists to suggest displacement between sedentary behaviors and PA in college students. Students completed an online health survey specific to time spent in PA and sedentary behavior. Students were categorized into one of three PA groups based on their activity level. Males were significantly more physically active than females in terms of days per week engaged in aerobic exercise (p=.022) and strength training (p<.001). When categorized by activity level, a greater percentage of male students met recommended PA levels than did females (p<.001). Males reported significantly higher levels of overall ST (p=.004) and television viewing (p<.001), whereas females reported significantly higher levels of time spent engaged in homework (p<.001). When categorized by activity level, physically active students reported significantly fewer minutes of total ST than inactive students (p=.047). Implications of this study suggest that within a college population, television and PA are not competing behaviors in either gender.

Using the Web to Increase Physical Activity in College Students

To evaluate the effectiveness of a theoretically based and Web-delivered intervention using common course technology for increasing physical activity in a college student sample. One hundred four students randomly participated in either a Web-based intervention involving 7 theory-based learning lessons or a control group that received minimal physical activity information. Participants reported levels of physical activity and social cognitive theory (SCT) constructs at baseline and after 6 weeks of the intervention. Relative to controls, intervention participants reported increased days of moderate and vigorous physical activity, but few changes in SCT constructs. Web-based interventions can successfully increase physical activity among college students.

The incongruous alcohol-activity association: Physical activity and alcohol consumption in college students

Background Physical activity is important for well-being in college students; however, recent studies indicate that higher levels of physical activity may be associated with higher levels of alcohol use in this population. Objectives This study sought to broaden previous research findings on the association of alcohol consumption and physical activity in college students by 1) addressing methodological limitations in that research and 2) examining potential third-variable explanations. Method Data were collected from N = 296 male and female, first through fourth-year college students. Physical activity was assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ; Sjöström et al., 2005) and participants were categorized as having either a low, moderate, or high activity level using IPAQ scoring criteria. Alcohol consumption was assessed with four different measures. The following potential third variables were assessed: gender, ethnicity, age, college grade point average, Greek membership, and sports participation. Results Cumulative logistic regression analyses demonstrated that the odds of being in a higher physical activity category increased with higher levels of alcohol consumption. When potential third variables were considered, the alcohol-activity association was unaffected, suggesting that the alcohol-activity association in these data was not due to any of the potential third variables. Discussion These results provide strong support for the existence of an incongruous positive association between alcohol consumption and physical activity in college students, an association that has obvious implications for the well-being of emerging young adults who are in college. Possible causal mechanisms are discussed, as are implications for prevention.

Multiple Regression Analysis of Factors Influencing Physical Activity in College Students

PURPOSE: To determine how much of the variance in physical activity (PA) can be explained by daily behavioral patterns. METHODS: A total of 483 college students (302 male, 181 female) were recruited from two general education wellness courses at a Midwestern university. Participants were given a 24-hour time diary to log the following behaviors: PA, TV, computer use, video game use, class time, duration of homework, duration of employment, and sleep. Data were categorized to represent the two primary time blocks in which PA occurs: 3:00 pm-7:00 pm (T1) and 7:00 pm-11:00 pm (T2). Multiple regression was used to assess how much of the variance in PA can be explained by the independent variables separately in T1 and T2. RESULTS: The T1 regression model explained 38.3% of the variance in PA (R=.619, F(7,475) = 42.184, p<.001), with employment (beta = -.712, p<.001) and homework (beta = -.511, p<.001) contributing the most. Other significant variables included class time (beta = -.420, p<.001), TV (beta = -.313, p<.001), sleep (beta = -.256, p<.001), computer use (beta = -.248, p<.001), and video games (beta = -.186, p<.001). The T2 regression model explained 27.1% of the variance (R=.521, F(7,475)=25.221, p<.001), with employment (beta = -.523, p<.001) and homework (beta = -.496, p<.001) again making the largest contribution. Additional significant variables included TV (beta = -.377, p=.025), sleep (beta = -.225, p<.001), video games (beta = -.202, p<.001), class time (beta = -.137, p=.001), and computer use (beta = -.158, p<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Duration of employment and homework accounted for the largest amount of variance in both key time blocks. Implications of this study are not to suggest that college students abandon homework or employment in lieu of PA. Instead, for students to maintain a physically active lifestyle, they must recognize the time constraints employment and homework impose on discretionary leisure time and plan their schedules accordingly.

Effects of a short‐term group fitness intervention on body composition and exercise motivation in college students

The purpose of this study was to test the impact of a short‐term group fitness intervention on body weight, percent body fat, and attitude toward physical activity in college students. Twenty sedentary students (mean age 20.4±1.4 yr) were classified as healthy or overweight (BMI &gt;25 kg/m2) and, then randomized into exercise and control groups. The exercise group participated in four aerobic fitness classes per week for 4 weeks, while the control subjects remained sedentary. Percent body fat was measured by BodPod and attitude toward physical activity was measured via questionnaire at baseline and the end of the study. Using univariate analysis of variance, we found significant differences in change in percent body fat between the healthy‐control and overweight‐control groups (−1.1 ± 0.8 vs. 1.8 ± 0.9%, P=0.034) and between the healthy‐exercise and the overweight‐control groups (−2.2 ± 1.0 vs. 1.8 ± 0.9%, P=0.010). These findings support the notion that even at a young age, overweight individuals are more susceptible to weight gain and may need increased amounts of exercise or encouragement in addition to restricted diets to produce weight loss. Using the motivation questions, 80% of participants reported that group fitness provided motivation to continue exercise.Supported by the University of Arizona Honors College and The Marshall Foundation.

대학생들의 일상적 신체활동에 대한 주관적 강도 등급 지각수준 - 예비연구

대학생들의 일상적 신체활동에 대한 주관적 강도 등급 지각수준 - 예비연구

Screen Time Is Not An Impediment To Physical Activity In College Students

Screen Time Is Not An Impediment To Physical Activity In College Students

Environmental Characteristics and Physical Activity in Racial/Ethnic Minority and Euro-American College Students

Little is known about the relations of environmental characteristics and physical activity of college students, especially students from diverse racial or ethnic backgrounds. Associations were examined between environmental characteristics and moderate and vigorous activity in racial or ethnic minority (n = 418; M age = 24.3 +/- 4.5 yr.; 54.2% women) and Euro-American (n = 297; M age = 23.5 +/- 4.4 yr.; 49.7% women) college students. Participants completed questionnaires assessing demographic measures, physical activity, exercise equipment at home, neighborhood characteristics, and convenient places for physical activity. Moderate and vigorous activity participation was similar between the two groups even though racial or ethnic minorities had less supportive home and neighborhood environments for activity and fewer convenient facilities. Greater moderate and vigorous activity were related with more convenient facilities in racial or ethnic minorities. Vigorous activity was associated with better neighborhood characteristics for Euro-Americans. The findings can inform the design and implementation of environmental approaches to promoting activity of college students from diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Race and Sex Differences in College Student Physical Activity Correlates

To assess sex/race differences on psychosocial correlates of physical activity among college students. Survey research protocol. Students (n=636) exercised an average of 3.5 days per week, with black females being the least active. Across subgroups, health/fitness was rated as the most important motive for exercise, followed by appearance and mental health. Of the correlates, enjoyment and the use of self-management strategies were most strongly associated with activity level. Only 40% were aware that adults should accumulate 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days (ie, 5) of the week for health benefits. Findings highlight the importance of teaching self-management skills and fostering exercise enjoyment in health promotion programs for college students.

The Effect of Enrollment in a Healthy Lifestyles Class on Physical Activity in College Students

The American College Health Association identified physical inactivity as a health risk behavior on college campuses. One way to improve physical activity (PA) in college students is through enrollment in a healthy lifestyles class, but little research has been performed in this population. PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to assess the determinants of PA in college students and the impact of healthy lifestyles class enrollment on PA participation. METHODS: 911 students enrolled in fall and spring healthy lifestyles classes, or a fall communications class completed a baseline internet survey at the start of a semester. 765 completed a follow-up survey at the end of the semester. PA was specified as quartiles (Q) of kcal/kg/wk (Q1: 0-12.5 kcal/kg/wk, Q2: 12.5-25.5 kcal/kg/wk, Q3: 25.5-45.9 kcal/kg/wk, Q4: >45.9 kcal/kg/wk). Change scores were used to assess change in PA from baseline and follow-up (Decrease to a lower quartile, Stay in the same quartile, Increase to a higher quartile). Chi square was used to assess associations between physical activity quartile and all exposure variables. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the magnitude of these associations. RESULTS: Compared to Q1, males were more likely than females to be in Q4 (OR = 7.2, (95%CI: 4.6-11.6)), as were healthy lifestyles students compared to communications students (1.8 (1.1-2.9)), and kinesiology majors compared to nonmajors (3.2 (1.7-6.0)). Change in PA across a semester did not differ between the fall healthy lifestyles class and fall communications class. PA participation was more likely to increase in the spring healthy lifestyles class compared to the fall communications class (2.5 (1.4-4.5)) and the fall healthy lifestyles class (2.4 (1.5-4.2)). CONCLUSIONS: This study illustrates various determinants of physical activity in college students, adding to our limited understanding of PA behavior in this population. The results also illustrate a possible seasonal effect on change in physical activity throughout a semester. Research supported by the Plus One Active Research Grant on Wellness Using the Internet from the ACSM Foundation and the BCBSM Foundation.

Assessment of Physical Activity of University Students Participating in a Step Aerobic Exercise Program

Assessment of Physical Activity of University Students Participating in a Step Aerobic Exercise Program

Acclerometer Reactivity During Monitored Physical Activity in College Students

Acclerometer Reactivity During Monitored Physical Activity in College Students

Television Viewing, Screen Time, and Physical Activity in College Students

Television Viewing, Screen Time, and Physical Activity in College Students

Perceived Barriers To Physical Activity In College Students

Perceived Barriers To Physical Activity In College Students

Ethnicity as a Moderator of the Theory of Planned Behavior and Physical Activity in College Students

Most college students do not meet physical activity (PA) guidelines, and ethnic disparities exist. The present study examined the utility of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in explaining PA intentions and behavior in black and white college students and whether any TPB relationships were moderated by ethnicity. Black (n = 170) and white (n = 180) students completed a baseline TPB questionnaire and PA assessment 2 weeks later. Hierarchical latent variable regression analyses showed that affective attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control (PBC) were significant predictors of intention for both ethnic groups, whereas the PBC-intention relationship was significantly stronger for white students. Intention significantly predicted PA for both ethnic groups. Furthermore, common and ethnic-specific beliefs were identified.

Ethnicity as a Moderator of the Theory of Planned Behavior and Physical Activity in College Students

Most college students do not meet physical activity (PA) guidelines, and ethnic disparities exist. The present study examined the utility of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) in explaining PA intentions and behavior in black and white college students and whether any TPB relationships were moderated by ethnicity. Black (n = 170) and white (n = 180) students completed a baseline TPB questionnaire and PA assessment 2 weeks later. Hierarchical latent variable regression analyses showed that affective attitude, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control (PBC) were significant predictors of intention for both ethnic groups, whereas the PBC-intention relationship was significantly stronger for white students. Intention significantly predicted PA for both ethnic groups. Furthermore, common and ethnic-specific beliefs were identified.

Physical Activity of University Students From the Standpoint of Primary Prevention

ISEE-356 Objective: Despite favorable effects in organism, it has been estimated that nearly 70% of people have insufficient physical activity and only 20% of population seemed to have optimal physical activity. The aim of the study was to evaluate the appropriateness of energy expenditure in relation to intake and to assess the basic characteristics (volume, structure, intensity, and frequency) of physical activity from the aspect of chronic noncommunicable diseases prevention. Material and Methods: Nine hundred and ninety-eight university students (307 men and 691 women) were examined. This homogenous sample is represented by the young healthy individuals, with higher education and health awareness. Information about physical activity of students and their energy balance were obtained from 24-hour activity record and 24-hour recall. Results: Insufficient energy expenditure comparing to energy intake was in 12.3% men and in 13.9% women. The average total volume of appropriate physical activity in men is 9.6 h/wk and in women 8.1 h/wk. Endurance activities of moderate and higher intensity predominate (collective field games, aerobic, jogging, dancing, riding a bicycle, and speed walk). The reported frequency of exercise was more times weekly (50% students), daily (15% students), and no sports (12% students). Intersexual and interindividual differences were found out. Our results showed that physical activity level in our sample is better than in other population group, but not optimal. In more than half students (more often women) in their 24-hour activity records physical activities were inappropriate or totally absent. Conclusions: Our study points out the need to guide and to make intervention in the field of physical activity, one of the most important lifestyle components in university students.

A Perceived Benefits and Barriers Scale for Strenuous Physical Activity in College Students

Due to relatively low physical activity among college students, a standardized, reliable, and valid scale of perceived benefits and barriers for this population is critical. The purpose of this study was to develop a new scale, the Physical Activity Benefits and Barriers Scale, and determine whether the scale was appropriate for college students. An exploratory factor analysis of 26 benefit and 24 barrier items of physical activity was administered to 493 college students, followed by an examination of the relationship between the newly derived factors and physical activity, as well as test-retest reliability. Twenty-eight items loaded on 10 factors that accounted for 60% of the variance, and 9 of the 10 factors were moderately associated with strenuous physical activity. Psychometric properties were acceptable on this new scale, with the low motivation factor accounting for the highest amount of the variance in strenuous physical activity.