Freshman physical activity constraints are related to the current health behaviors and outcomes of college upperclassmen

Abstract

Objective

Examine differences in physical activity (PA) constraints experienced as freshmen among college upperclassmen based on sex, race/ethnicity, adiposity, and fitness. Participants and methods: Upperclassmen (n = 524) from self-reported demographics, PA, subjective changes in PA, and freshman PA constraints via an online survey, and had adiposity and predicted aerobic fitness objectively assessed. Results: Self-reported reductions in PA since high school and freshmen year were associated with a lack of motivation as a freshman, lower current PA levels, and poorer aerobic fitness compared to those who maintained or increased PA. Women were less active than men and reported greater constraints, while non-Hispanic white students had greater vigorous PA than minority students. Multiple regression analyses revealed that motivation constraints predicted PA regardless of sex and race/ethnicity. Conclusions: Findings highlight the importance of college administrators and health promoters alleviating freshman PA constraints, particularly among women, to promote the adoption of an active lifestyle.

Keywords:

• Exercise
• health promotion
• obesity
• physical fitness
• young adults

Acknowledgments

We thank the students who volunteered to participate in this study, as well as Pennsylvania State University Center for Fitness and Wellness staff, in particular Britni DeCastro, for their assistance with data collection.

Conflicts of interest disclosure

None of the authors have a conflict of interest related to the present study.

Additional information

Funding

No funding was received for this study.