ERIC Number: EJ833227
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 6
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1932-5037
EISSN: N/A
Changes in Women's Physical Activity during the Transition to College
Han, Jennifer L.; Dinger, Mary K.; Hull, Holly R.; Randall, Nichole B.; Heesch, Kristiann C.; Fields, David A.
American Journal of Health Education, v39 n4 p194-199 Jul-Aug 2008
Background: Few studies have examined physical activity during the transition from high school to college. Purpose: To examine changes in physical activity and physical activity patterns among females during the transition from high school to college. Methods: Sixty-nine females (age 18.2 [plus or minus] 0.4 years; body mass index 21.8 [plus or minus] 2.6 kg/m[superscript 2]; 84% Caucasian) at a large university in the south central United States participated in this prospective longitudinal study. They completed a questionnaire at the beginning of their freshman and sophomore years of college, recalling their participation in physical activity during the previous 12 months. Results: Weekly time spent in moderate, vigorous, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity declined between high school and college (p less than 0.01). Physical activity participation also differed by semester (p less than 0.01), with a significant decline during the summer between high school and college (p less than 0.01), and an additional decrease during the first semester of college (p less than 0.01). Discussion: Participants' physical activity significantly decreased from high school to college, with the largest decline occurring during the summer between high school and college. Translation to Health Education Practice: The transition from high school to college is a critical time to promote physical activity among women. (Contains 1 table and 1 figure.)
Descriptors: High School Seniors, Body Composition, Health Education, Physical Activities, Females, Physical Activity Level, Longitudinal Studies, Questionnaires, Health Related Fitness, Physical Fitness, College Freshmen, Adolescents, Metabolism, Health Promotion, School Orientation, College Students, College Environment, Student Adjustment, Student Behavior
American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. 1900 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191. Tel: 800-213-7193; Fax: 703-476-9527; e-mail: info@aahperd.org; Web site: http://www.aahperd.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: High Schools; Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United States
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A