Date of Conferral

2017

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Health Services

Advisor

Raymond Thron

Abstract

Despite the many health benefits, physical activity participation among those between 18 to 24 years is in significant decline during the college-age years. Postsecondary education has been identified as an ideal environment where young adults should be targeted for physical activity participation. However, a limited number of studies have assessed the effectiveness of college-level health education and physical education program interventions to increase physical activity levels among college students. The purpose of this study was to examine current physical activity levels of college age students who have completed a college-level health education course and laboratory to gain a better understanding for developing and improving interventions targeted at increasing physical activity behaviors. The study employed a quantitative method using the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire, Exercise Motivation Inventory-2 and the Processes of Change Physical Activity Questionnaire 4.1, each designed specifically to assess leisure-time physical activity behaviors and identify patterns, habits, and how shifts in physical activity behavior occur. Study subjects included candidates who had completed a college-level health education lecture course and laboratory. Study findings showed no statistical significance regarding attitudes or behaviors about physical activity regardless of gender, class standing, or age. Although data analysis for this study provided no statistical significance, the findings are consistent with peer-reviewed literature, which suggests course-based physical activity programs only have been found to be minimally effective on long-term behavior change for increasing physical activity among college age students.

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