Improving college wellness classes through integrating physical activity and health concepts

Health advocates have promoted a Fitness/Wellness Living Learning Center (FWLLC) as an effective way to enhance overall health for college freshmen. The FWLLC environment is intended to help establish healthy lifestyle choices during college and beyond. Data from a cohort study (2007-2008) evaluated the impact of a FWLLC on health behaviors and biometric outcomes on college freshmen. Subjects were divided into three groups: one control group (n=22) and two intervention groups. Both intervention groups lived in the FWLLC and were enrolled in the Active Living Everyday (ALED) course (n=22) or the Foundations of Fitness and Wellness course (n=19). The intervention courses focused on the delivery of wellness topics but did not incorporate a physical activity component. Trends in the biometric data revealed all three groups increased in weight, BMI, and % fat from baseline to 9 months and decreased in self- reported physical activity. The outcomes of this study led to the implementation of a 50-minute physical activity lab component versus a lecture only course format. Along with the lab component, specific learning objectives were included in the course curriculum which focused on integrating movement and health education within the lab. A focus on information gathering through student journaling was integrated to measure course learning objectives and to improve the course content and method of content delivery. Although biometric data can initially be useful, more emphasis should be placed on reinforcing the health and wellness learning objectives during organized physical activity sessions.