Changes in Women's Physical Activity From High School to College

Few studies have assessed longitudinal changes in women's physical activity from high school to college. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine changes in physical activity and physical activity patterns among females during the transition from high school to college. Methods: Sixty-nine females (age: 18.2 ± 0.4 years; 84% Caucasian) at a large university in the south central United States completed the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (MAQA) at the beginning of their freshman and sophomore years, recalling their participation in physical activity during the previous 12 months. Participants reported the frequency, intensity, and duration of specific physical activities they completed at least 10 times during the previous year. MET-hours per week were calculated for each activity and averaged across the year, and the percentage of participants meeting national recommendations for physical activity was determined. Total MET-hours per week were examined by semester to assess patterns of physical activity participation. Descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank tests, a McNemar test, and repeated measures analysis of variance with pairwise comparisons were calculated. Results: Between the senior year of high school and freshman year of college, past-year MET-hours per week of moderate (Z = 4.23, p <0.01), vigorous (Z = 2.08, p = 0.04), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (Z = 4.30, p < 0.01) declined. In addition, fewer participants were meeting national recommendations for moderate physical activity (Χ² = 13.76, p < 0.01), while the percentage meeting the vigorous recommendation did not change (Χ² = 0.04, p = 0.83). When examined by semester, total MET-hours per week differed (F = 12.89 [5, 340], p < 0.0001). Total MET-hours per week remained steady through the senior year of high school (p = 0.82), declined during the summer between high school and college (p < 0.01), and further decreased during the first semester of college (p < 0.01). During the freshman year of college total MET-hours per week were fairly consistent (p = 0.85). Conclusions: Participants' physical activity significantly decreased from high school to college, with the largest decline occurring during the summer between high school and college. The transition from high school to college is a critical time to promote physical activity among women.
Keyword(s): exercise/fitness/physical activity, health education college/univ, health promotion