Scheduled for Health Symposium: Assessing and Improving Outcomes in College Physical Activity Courses, Saturday, April 29, 2006, 8:45 AM - 10:00 AM, Convention Center: 150DEF


Using the SenseWear™ Pro Armband as a Tool to Promote Physical Activity in a College Activity Course

Meghan Stritesky, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC and Gary Liguori, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND

The purpose of this study was to determine if the SenseWear Armband was an effective tool in promoting physical activity in college students. Furthermore, this study examined the effect a structured physical activity class had on cardiovascular fitness, and whether college students met the 10,000 steps a day goal. Research has shown that physical activity levels decline as an individual transitions from high school to college. Devices such as the SenseWear Armband may provide motivation to be more physically active by providing feedback towards a goal. Results indicated a significant pre-post change in heart rate in the armband group (p=0.023). There was also a significant difference in post-test heart rates between the web-based groups, where the armband group had a significantly lower heart rate compared to the no armband group (p=0.017). Therefore, there is evidence that the SenseWear Armband may help increase fitness, further indicating an increase in physical activity participation. Results from the study found no significant difference in post-test heart rate between the class and no armband group (p=0.274). Therefore, there is evidence that attendance in a structured physical activity course does not improve cardiovascular fitness any more than performing activity outside of class. This study also provided evidence that college students met the 10,000 steps a day goal. Subjects took an average of 13,607.25 steps per day during the week, and 10,899.75 steps per day on the weekend. However, this finding is limited to the armband group, as not all groups were required to perform physical activity.


Keyword(s): college level issues, physical activity, technology

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