Date of Award
Fall 11-21-2019
Document Type
Honors Thesis
Department/Major
Kinesiology and Sport Management
First Advisor
Dr. Andrew Pickett
Second Advisor
Dr. Whitney Lucas-Molitor
Third Advisor
Michele Turner
Keywords
Exercise, Physical Activity, College Students, Physical Health, Mental Health
Subject Categories
Medicine and Health Sciences | Movement and Mind-Body Therapies | Sports Sciences
Abstract
Introduction: Many individuals are not attaining the World Health Organization and American Heart Association’s recommendations for daily physical activity. Physical activity habits are developed during young adulthood and it is therefore important to study barriers to physical activity in college students.
Objectives: Investigate the relationship between college student’s physical activity and their overall health. Methods: Data was collected by circulating an online survey to students on the University of South Dakota campus. Several survey questions were used from the SF-36 and the National College Health Assessment. Measures included mental health, physical activity, overall health, diet, and sleep habits.
Results: Results showed a positive relationship between physical activity and perceived mental and physical health. Physical activity rates declined from high school to college according to self-reported measures. Healthy eating habits were correlated with a higher rate of physical activity and perceived better health. Sleeping habits were not found to be correlated with physical activity rates and perceived health.
Conclusion: I recommend colleges provide more cost effective and accessible physical activity options for students.
Recommended Citation
Steineke, Tanner, "The Effect of Exercise on College Students' Overall Health" (2019). Honors Thesis. 74.
https://red.library.usd.edu/honors-thesis/74