Thursday, March 18, 2010
Exhibit Hall NA Poster Area (Convention Center)
Amanda L. Divin, Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL, Weston S. Kensinger, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK and Conrad L. Woolsey, Oklahoma State University, Tulsa, OK
Physical Activity (PA) is important in all aspects of life for individuals of any age. Studies support PA as a means by which to reduce the development of cardiovascular disease (e.g. Berlin & Colditz, 1990; Lee, Sesso, & Paffenbarger, 2000) as well as decrease mortality rates (Wei et al., 1999), increase longevity (Lee & Paffenbarger) and enhance quality of life (Bize, Johnson, & Plotnikoff, 2007). PA may be of even more importance during the college years, as habits formed at this time may continue throughout life. Further, the incidence of physical inactivity and obesity increase with age (Sallis, 2000; Caspersen, Pereira, & Curran, 2000), with the most dramatic increase occurring between late adolescence and early adulthood during the college years (Stevens, Jacobs, & White, 1985). Despite the innumerable benefits associated with PA, encouragement from programs like Healthy Campus 2010, and the presence of large fitness centers, college students still remain sedentary. It has been reported that as little as 16% of college students engage in no PA (Huang et al., 2003). Previous research has indicated that barriers are a common reason people to not engage in PA. If one can overcome such barriers, then PA levels may increase. Further, the benefits that one perceives from PA will motivate them to engage in it. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the benefits and barriers to PA in an undergraduate population to increase PA on college campuses.
Method: A convenience sample of male and female students was recruited from social science undergraduate courses to complete an online version of The Expected Outcomes and Barriers for Habitual Physical Activity survey. This 30-item instrument, which uses a five point Likert-scale, asks participants to indicate their level of agreement or disagreement with a statement. High scores indicate they are strongly in agreement while low scores indicate they are in disagreement.
Results: The top five benefits found were: Appearance, Feel Better, For Good Health, Self Image, and To Stay In-Shape. The top five barriers found were: Lack of Motivation, Too Busy, Not Enough Time, Too Lazy, Too Tired. Because of immense physical and psychological benefits of PA as well as the long-term consequences of inactivity, it is imperative to create programs which maximize benefits while minimizing barriers. Knowing the benefits and barriers to PA in college students, such programs can be created and implemented, thus assisting college populations to maximize PA on campus.
