Accelerometry-Determined Adherence to the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Among College Students

Abstract

Background: A need exists to determine whether college students engage in sufficient physical activity (PA) using objective methodology. Purpose: Accelerometry-based activity monitors were used to evaluate adherence to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Methods: College students (N = 168) wore accelerometers for seven consecutive days. Results: The mean total minutes per day of moderate and vigorous PA were 53.9 minutes and 5.2 minutes, respectively, primarily via short intermittent bouts. When examining PA in bouts lasting the recommended minimum of 10 minutes, the average time spent per day in moderate and vigorous PA dropped to 12.5 minutes and 1.4 minutes, respectively. Thus, only 22.0% of the sample accumulated the recommended minimum of 150 minutes per week of sustained moderate-to-vigorous PA. Discussion: The findings suggest that college students intermittingly accumulate substantial moderate PA via lifestyle activities such as walking, but do not adhere to recommendations for prolonged moderate or vigorous PA. Translation to Health Education Practice: The results indicate that health education practitioners at the collegiate level should educate young adults about the increased efficiency and long-term health benefits of meeting PA recommendations by engaging in sustained moderate and vigorous activities.