Date of Conferral

4-28-2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Health Sciences

Advisor

DeBran Tarver

Abstract

Despite organizational policy and access to physical activity facilities, the U.S. Department of Defense has observed an increase in the prevalence of service members classified as overweight or obese. Guided by the social-ecological model, this quantitative study investigated the work-related exercise determinants within the U.S. military community. Voluntarily recruited current and former service members from Stars and Stripes completed the Office Exercise Behavior Determinant Scale and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, along with demographic and biometric questions, to identify physical activity behavior and potential barriers. Findings revealed statistical significance related to exercise duration and military variables (e.g., occupation, race/ethnicity), as well as statistical significance among military characteristics and both intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation. The results indicated no statistical significance between the military variables and the social environment and work environment. The implications for positive social change include a better understanding of the barriers associated with physical activity participation within the military community, which may improve organizational policy and sustain health outcomes.

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