College Students' Healthy Physical Activity and Body Composition: A First-Semester Follow-Up

• In Event: Research on Learning and Instruction in Physical Education Poster Session

Abstract

This study examiner (a) changes in freshman college students’ health-enhancing physical activity (PA) and body composition and (b) the role of socio-ecological variables on these processes across the first semester. A sample of 166 participants (108 females, 58 males, Mage = 18.14[.96]) completed self-report pre-and posttest data on vigorous PA (VPA), moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), and body mass index (BMI). The results showed a statistically significant increase in BMI (t[95]= 3.37[1.04], p =.001, d =.34), but no statistically significant changes in VPA or MVPA. The findings revealed that our socio-ecological model predicted .71, .39, and .92 percent of VPA, MVPA, and BMI, respectively. The findings highlighted the positive role of peer support, positive motivation, and recreational services on measured healthy behaviors.

Authors

• Yangyang Deng, University of Georgia

• YongJu Hwang

• Sara Campbell

• Sami Yli-Piipari, University of Georgia