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EFFECT OF A STUDENT-LED EXERCISE CLINIC ON CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH AND FITNESS AMONG COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS

Abstract

According to the CDC, more than 75% of US adults do not meet physical activity guidelines. Physical inactivity increases cardiovascular disease risk, while engaging in exercise substantially lowers that risk. Experiential learning projects, like Washington State University’s Health and Fitness Clinic, allow undergraduates to apply exercise training skills in a real-world setting to promote health in the community. PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to assess cardiovascular health and fitness outcomes after a 2-month student-led nutrition and exercise clinic. METHODS: Students led clients through a bi-weekly personalized fitness program for 8 weeks based on the clients’ individual needs and goals. Eligible participants were consented to take part in the research study and had their fitness and vascular health assessed before and after the 8-week program. Vascular function was assessed by Doppler ultrasound-measured femoral artery blood flow during a passive leg movement (PLM) test. Vascular stiffness and blood pressure (BP) were measured with SphygmoCor XCEL, including large artery pulse wave velocity (PWV) and both brachial and central BP. General fitness was assessed using a stationary bike test for aerobic fitness, a push-up test for muscular endurance, and a single-leg balance test. Clinic attendance was tracked, and a clinic satisfaction survey was completed at the end of the study. RESULTS: Eleven clients (7 women, 4 men) were consented and completed the 8-week study, with an average clinic attendance rate of 81%. The participants’ rated clinic satisfaction positively, with a score of 4.6 out of 5. There were significant improvements in both aerobic fitness and push-up test score (p<0.05). No significant changes were observed for BP, PLM and PWV tests of vascular health. Despite non-significant changes in blood pressure measurements, 9 participants had clinically meaningful improvements. This included lowering BP categories from high to elevated BP or elevated to normal BP. Similarly, for the balance test, 5 participants raised their scores from below average to above average. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these results demonstrate the health benefits of a student-led clinic. This is the first year of a 3-year annual study in which we hope to see continued expansion and improvement.

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