Abstract
Physical activity rates of emerging adults in the United States declines significantly during the transition to university. The university environment can introduce new barriers that prevent students from prioritizing their physical fitness; however, there are other students that make physical activity a priority and embed it into their academic curriculum. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to provide the characteristics of a sample of university students enrolled in a physical activity course. METHODS: Students registered for a Weight Training and Kickboxing activity course voluntarily enrolled in a study evaluating the impact of enjoyment on physical activity. Participants completed a physical assessment which included bioelectrical impedence and the functional movement screen. Participants also completed a self-report survey that included the International Physical Activity Questionnaire- Short Form, Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PAES), and Exercise Identity Scale (EIS). The results only reflect the baseline characteristics. RESULTS: Fifty-nine activity students (24.2±5.5 years) were consented into the study. Most of the sample identified as Male and Hispanic which is representative of the university’s student population. Participants reported being highly active (>1000 MET-min/week), high enjoyment in exercise (mean PAES score 66.1±7.3, >63 indicating higher enjoyment), and low exercise identity (mean EIS score 28.1±12.2, score range 9 to 63). Physical assessment results found that, on average, participants were overweight (BMI 27.3±4.3, 30.9±9.5% body fat) with relatively low risk for injury (FMS score 15.4±2.5). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that students that elect to enroll in physical activity course are overweight, active, and enjoy exercise but do not have a strong exercise identity. The limitations of this study include a small sample of enrolled students (30%) and the self-report of physical activity. Observations of self-reported affect post exercise is currently being evaluated with results forthcoming.
Recommended Citation
Lewis, Zakkoyya H.; Rollins, Ami; Gutierrez, Madeline; Condon, Emily; and Ovalle, Nicolas
(2025)
"Who Chooses to Move? A Snapshot of University Students Enrolled in Physical Activity Courses,"
International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 14:
Iss.
5, Article 23.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/ijesab/vol14/iss5/23
Included in
Health and Physical Education Commons, Medical Education Commons, Sports Sciences Commons