Student Major/Year in School
Kinesiology, fourth year
Faculty Mentor Information
Dr. Emily Mailey, Department of Kinesiology, College of Human Ecology
Abstract
Fresh Start: A Program to Promote Physical Activity Among College Freshmen
Mia Taylor, Emily Mailey, Eryn Coates, Jerica Garcia,
Hailey Hunter, Courtney Moore
Department of Kinesiology
College of Human Ecology
Physical activity levels tend to decline as students transition from high school to college, and freshmen college women have been a population of interest. It is possible providing unique physical activity information via text messages could support freshmen women in increasing their physical activity levels. Freshmen females (n=30) were recruited to participate in a 9-week program that involved wearing an ActivPal for 3 individual weeks (beginning, middle, and end) and receiving tailored weekly messages via GroupMe. GroupMe discussions were specifically formatted to promote group social support, encouragement of physical activity, and for enhancement of knowledge about physical activity. Each GroupMe consisted of 7-8 participants and was run by one research assistant. Baseline data from the ActivPal revealed participants averaged 8945 steps per day and 185 minutes of standing per day. However, participants spent over 12 hours per day sitting. These data were sent to the participants for a visual representation of their physical activity and for encouragement throughout the program. We expect with the implementation of this program participants will increase self-awareness of their physical activity and use the sources provided to develop more ways to enhance their physical activity. Within these groups, we will reshape their understanding of healthy behaviors, encourage different forms of physical activity into their everyday life, and promote the use of social support for encouragement of a healthier lifestyle.
Recommended Citation
Taylor, Mia (2019). "Fresh Start: A Program to Promote Physical Activity Among College Freshmen," Kansas State University Undergraduate Research Conference. https://newprairiepress.org/ksuugradresearch/2019/posters/56
Fresh Start: A Program to Promote Physical Activity Among College Freshmen
Fresh Start: A Program to Promote Physical Activity Among College Freshmen
Mia Taylor, Emily Mailey, Eryn Coates, Jerica Garcia,
Hailey Hunter, Courtney Moore
Department of Kinesiology
College of Human Ecology
Physical activity levels tend to decline as students transition from high school to college, and freshmen college women have been a population of interest. It is possible providing unique physical activity information via text messages could support freshmen women in increasing their physical activity levels. Freshmen females (n=30) were recruited to participate in a 9-week program that involved wearing an ActivPal for 3 individual weeks (beginning, middle, and end) and receiving tailored weekly messages via GroupMe. GroupMe discussions were specifically formatted to promote group social support, encouragement of physical activity, and for enhancement of knowledge about physical activity. Each GroupMe consisted of 7-8 participants and was run by one research assistant. Baseline data from the ActivPal revealed participants averaged 8945 steps per day and 185 minutes of standing per day. However, participants spent over 12 hours per day sitting. These data were sent to the participants for a visual representation of their physical activity and for encouragement throughout the program. We expect with the implementation of this program participants will increase self-awareness of their physical activity and use the sources provided to develop more ways to enhance their physical activity. Within these groups, we will reshape their understanding of healthy behaviors, encourage different forms of physical activity into their everyday life, and promote the use of social support for encouragement of a healthier lifestyle.
