Changes in Women's Physical Activity During the Transition to College

• Published in: American journal of health education Vol. 39; no. 4; pp. 194 - 199
• Main Authors: Han, Jennifer L., Dinger, Mary K., Hull, Holly R., Randall, Nichole B., Heesch, Kristiann C., Fields, David A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Reston Taylor & Francis Group 01.07.2008; Taylor & Francis Ltd; American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance
• Subjects: Adolescents; Adults; Body Composition; College Environment; College Freshmen; College Students; Females; Health Education; Health Promotion; Health Related Fitness; High School Seniors; High Schools; Human growth; Longitudinal Studies; Metabolism; Physical Activities; Physical Activity Level; Physical Fitness; Puberty; Questionnaires; School Orientation; Student Adjustment; Student Behavior; United States; Women; United States
• ISSN: 1932-5037; 2168-3751
• DOI: 10.1080/19325037.2008.10599038

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±0.4 years; body mass index 21.8±2.6 kg/m2; 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 moderateto-vigorous physical activity declined between high school and college (p<0.01). Physical activity participation also differed by semester (p<0.01), with a signifcant decline during the summer between high school and college (p<0.01), and an additional decrease during the first semester of college (p<0.01). Discussion: Participants' physical activity signifcantly 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.