Degree Name

EdD (Doctor of Education)

Program

Educational Leadership

Date of Award

December 1997

Abstract

This descriptive/correlational study analyzed the perception of recent graduates regarding the effectiveness of the college environment at Milligan College in influencing adult fitness habits. Graduates were divided into five activity level groups through a self-report of physical activity. The purposes of the research were to determine if significant differences existed between the dependent variable, activity level, and the independent variables such as: (a) participation in specific college activities, (b) preferences for types of exercise, (c) social influence, (d) influence of a required freshman fitness course, and (e) environmental barriers. A profile of the student most likely to exercise after graduation was compiled from the data collected. A formula for activity level prediction was calculated from the data analysis. Data were collected from 211 graduates of Milligan College. Data analyses were conducted by calculating measures of central tendency, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression. Major findings revealed statistically significant differences between activity level based on male gender, exercise self-efficacy, intensity level, participation in team sports, participation in fitness activities and health beliefs. The four factors that were revealed to be predictors of activity level by multiple linear regression were habit, self-efficacy, high intensity level, and participation in fitness activities while at Milligan. Recommendations to Milligan College from the study include investing in improved facilities and equipment, implementing more intramural programs at varying ability levels, offering more formal or informal exercise groups on campus, offering more training sessions in use of exercise equipment, and reevaluating the present Fitness for Life course.

Document Type

Dissertation - unrestricted

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