222171 Fitness Wellness Living Learning Center Interventions: A Systems Approach to Increasing Physical Activity and Wellness among College Students

Monday, November 8, 2010 : 11:24 AM - 11:42 AM

Fernando Ona, PhD, MPH , Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Carol Kennedy-Armbruster, MS, PhD (c) , Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Whitney E. Hornsby, MS, PhD (c) , Department of Kinesiology, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
David K. Lohrmann, PhD , Applied Health Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Meagan Shipley, MS(c), BS , School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Marge Schrag, MS , Residential Programs and Services, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Diana Jacobs, MS , Academic Initiatives and Services, IU Residential Services and Programs, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
The transition from high school to college is a significant experience for many late adolescents that can affect their future adult fitness and wellness patterns. Results of interventions for this age group can enhance our understanding of the influence this transitional period has on health behaviors. This epidemiological mixed-method cohort study combined biometric and descriptive data gathered from college freshmen living in a Fitness Wellness Living Learning Center (FWLLC). Students living in this FWLLC had access to a fitness center and were enrolled in a 16-week fitness and wellness academic course. Phase I investigated the effectiveness of the FWLLC using biometric markers with subjects divided into three groups: (1) Active Living Everyday (n=19), (2) Foundations of Fitness and Wellness (FFW) (n=22), and (3) control (n=22). The control group resided in the same residential quadrangle but did not reside in the FWLLC. Physiologic parameters and self-reported physical activity were assessed at baseline, midpoint (4 months), and follow-up (9 months). Trends in weight, BMI and percent (%) body fat were inversely related to self-reported physical activity. Research outcomes from Phase I resulted in a course restructuring from a lecture only to a lecture/lab format. Journal methodology was utilized in Phase II to evaluate the effectiveness of the FFW course content. Results indicated that the students were partially to fully impacted by the course. A focus on general health outcomes is planned (Phase III) in order to more adequately assess the impact of the ecological model on more global health.

Learning Areas:
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Social and behavioral sciences
Systems thinking models (conceptual and theoretical models), applications related to public health

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe a living learning wellness center intervention in a college residential environment that seeks to improve physical activity and wellness for college age freshmen 2. Identify how research findings translate into community health education efforts and public health interventions 3. Illustrate the use of an ecological wellness model for the development of a physical activity and wellness intervention

Keywords: College Students, Wellness

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have conducted and overseen this research project.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 3140.1: Increasing Physical Activity in Diverse Settings