Prevalence of University Students' Sufficient Physical Activity: A Systematic Review

Project IMPACT: brief report on a pilot programme promoting physical activity among university students

The effectiveness of a buddy system, record-keeping device, or both for increasing university students' physical activity (PA) was assessed. Pre- and post-measures of PA, self-efficacy, and body mass index were taken. PA increased significantly in the record-keeping and combination arms of the study, p < .05. Significant increases in barriers efficacy occurred for all participants, p < .05. No significant changes in task efficacy or BMI occurred. Project IMPACT is an effective PA intervention requiring wider-spread implementation and evaluation.

Use of a Social Cognitive Theory-Based Physical-Activity Intervention on Health-Promoting Behaviors of University Students

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a 12-wk. physical activity intervention, based on conceptual discussions and practices of a social cognitive theory on health-promoting behaviors of 62 university students. The intervention mainly focused on development of self-regulatory skills, social support, and self-assessment of health-related fitness. The Adolescent Health Promotion Scale and International Physical Activity Questionnaire were given. Analysis of self-reports indicated improved nutrition, health responsibility, social support, exercise, stress management, and overall health from pre- to postintervention. Also, participants' postintervention reports of moderate, vigorous, and total physical activity were higher than at preintervention.

Perceptions of environmental supports on the physical activity behaviors of university men and women: a preliminary investigation

OBJECTIVE

To examine perception differences between genders of university sidewalks and safety from crime on the physical activity (PA) behaviors of undergraduate students.

PARTICIPANTS

Five hundred and sixty undergraduate students participated in this study.

METHODS

The authors derived questions from the South Carolina Environmental Supports for Physical Activity Questionnaire (SCESPAQ) and National College Health Risk Behavior Survey (NCHRS) PA module.

RESULTS

The authors found a significant mean difference between genders for the Moderate Intensity Item (eg, walking and biking) and the Flexibility Item, t(558)=3.602, p=.001, and t(558)=1.946, p=.050, respectively. Of participants surveyed, 30% of women perceived this campus to be extremely safe compared with 49% of men, t(558)=4.240, p=.001. Gender and the perceptions of sidewalk presence were significantly related (p<.05) to respondents' walking or bicycling patterns.

CONCLUSIONS

Perceptions of sidewalks and safety from crime on this university campus were related to students' PA behaviors.

The prevalence of physical activity maintenance in a sample of university students: a longitudinal study

The health and financial costs of physical inactivity are staggering. Few researchers have assessed the prevalence of physical activity at the level needed to gain health benefits.

OBJECTIVE

The author's purpose in this longitudinal study was to assess the prevalence of university students who maintained physical activity at the level necessary for health gains for at least 1 month.

PARTICIPANTS

University students (N = 392) from 2 campuses participated in this 1-month study.

METHODS

The author administered a survey to the same group of students at baseline and 1 month later to assess the prevalence of students who met and maintained the physical activity guideline for health (PAGH).

RESULTS

Thirty-five percent of students maintained the PAGH for 1 month.

CONCLUSION

The majority of students in this study were insufficiently physically active. Given that insufficient physical activity may lead to serious health concerns, interventions are needed to improve activity maintenance in this population.