The purpose of this study was to evaluate a fit for life program at a university and to use the findings from an extensive literature review, consultations with formative and summative committees, and data collection to develop an interdisciplinary, physically active lifestyle (IPAL) course model.
Method
The evaluation and developmental methodologies were used to address the 5 research questions examined in the study. Two evaluation tools were developed, the Leisure Time Physical Activity Survey and a Best Practice Evaluation Checklist were used to compare the traditional Fit for Life I and II courses to national guidelines. An interdisciplinary physically active lifestyle (IPAL) course model was the final product of this study.
Analysis/Results
The null hypothesis stated that students would not choose to enroll in an IPAL course in place of the required, traditional Fit for Life I and II courses if an IPAL course were to be implemented at the university: Based on the chi-square analysis, the null hypothesis was rejected. A significantly larger number of students (68.3%) preferred enrolling in an IPAL course compared to those who would rather enroll in the traditional, required Fit for Life I and II courses (31.7%). Further data analysis revealed the need to create a course that would meet national guidelines in order to make changes in physical fitness indicators to avoid hypokinetic diseases.
Conclusions
By creating a generic IPAL course model that is essentially infused in the students' general education requirements for graduation, a larger segment of the university population can be reached by educators. More faculty need to recognize and advocate the importance of physically active lifestyles for increasing physical fitness, enhanced academic performance, and overall wellness of their students.
Future recommendations included, but were not limited to, a study that analyzed the differences between traditional, general education courses and IPAL courses with regard to student outcomes, particularly, grade point average, attitudes toward physical activity, and physical fitness indicators that predict overall health.