Physical Activity and Associated Constraints Following the Transition From High School to University

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 52-60
Author(s):  
Oliver W. A. Wilson ◽  
Simon R. Walters ◽  
Michael E. Naylor ◽  
Jenny C. Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
University Students ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
First Year ◽  
Transition To University ◽  
Transition From High School ◽  
First Year University ◽  
Quantitative And Qualitative Methods ◽  
Shed Light

The considerable changes in physical activity (PA) during the transition to university are likely associated with changes in PA constraints during this transition. The purpose of this study was to examine changes in PA and associated constraints among first-year university students during the transition to university. Data concerning sociodemographic characteristics, PA behaviors, and changes in PA and constraints were collected from 121 first-year New Zealand university students via an online survey. Data were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative methods. Findings revealed that following the transition, PA declined significantly, that PA participation patterns/trends had changed (from team/group sports to individual activities and to less competitive and/or more social activities), and that changes in constraints (intrapersonal, interpersonal, and time management) may have influenced changes. Findings shed light on how changes in constraints potentially influence PA following the transition and provide evidence to inform the development of policies and interventions to promote student PA.

scholarly journals The Impact of a Web-Based Mindfulness, Nutrition and Fitness Platform on the Health Status of First-Year University Students: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire F Trottier ◽  
Jessica RL Lieffers ◽  
Steven T Johnson ◽  
João F Mota ◽  
Roshni K Gill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
University Students ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Control Group ◽  
First Year ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
First Year University ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND First-year university students are at increased risk for presenting with anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts and poor nutritional status. Self-care plays an essential role in optimizing mental health and can prevent/treat stress, anxiety and depression. Web-based self-monitoring of diet and physical activity can lead to similar or improved health outcomes compared to conventional methods. Such tools are also popular among university students. OBJECTIVE The primary objective of this 12-week randomized control trial was to assess the impact of a web-based wellness platform on perceived stress among first-year university students. The study’s secondary outcome was to assess the effects of the platform on diet quality and exploratory outcomes were body composition, health related quality of life, mindfulness, mental wellbeing and physical activity. METHODS Ninety-seven first-year undergraduate students were randomized to either the intervention (n=48) or control (n=49) group. The intervention consisted of access to a web-based platform called My Viva Plan® (MVP) which aims to support healthy living on the topics of mindfulness, nutrition, and fitness. The platform is fully automated and is guided by principals of cognitive behavior theory. Participants in the intervention group were instructed to use MVP as frequently as possible over 12 weeks. The control group did not receive access to MVP. Perceived stress was assessed using the Stress Indicators Questionnaire at baseline, week 6 and week 12. Three day food records were used to analyze dietary intake at baseline and week 12. Health related quality of life, mindfulness, mental wellbeing and physical activity questionnaires were completed at baseline, week 6 and week 12 and body composition was assessed at baseline and week 12. Study assessments were completed in-person at baseline and week 12 and electronically at week 6. RESULTS Study recruitment started in August 2018 with batch enrollment for students registered in the fall (September 2018 to December 2018) and winter (January 2019 to April 2019) academic terms at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta. Eighty participants completed the 12-week trial (n=35 in the intervention group; n=45 in the control group). All data collection ended in May 2019. CONCLUSIONS This project is the first to explore the impact of an online platform designed to promote health and wellness; it will also shed light into its applicability in first-year university students. If successful, this may become an important health care tool for preventative care in first year university students. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03579264

scholarly journals The use of photogrammetric fossil models in palaeontology education

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
John A. Cunningham
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Physical Models ◽  
First Year ◽  
Digital Models ◽  
First Year University

AbstractPhotogrammetry allows overlapping photographs of fossils to be taken and converted into photo-realistic three-dimensional (3-D) digital models. These models offer potential advantages in teaching palaeontology: they are cheap to produce, can be easily shared and allow the study of rare and delicate specimens. Here I describe approaches for using photogrammetric models in the teaching and learning of palaeontology. Little is known about how students perceive these models and whether they find them valuable in their learning. To address this, first-year university students taught using both fossil specimens and digital models were surveyed about their experience through an anonymous online survey. Most students found that the digital models were easy to use, helped them understand anatomy and were more useful than studying photographs. However, most did not see the models as a substitute for studying real fossils and felt they could learn more from physical models. Digital models are a useful addition to palaeontological education that can supplement real fossils and allow palaeontological education to take place in circumstances where handling of specimens is not possible.

scholarly journals UniStArt: A 12-Month Prospective Observational Study of Body Weight, Dietary Intake, and Physical Activity Levels in Australian First-Year University Students

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nina Wilson ◽  
Anthony Villani ◽  
Sze-Yen Tan ◽  
Evangeline Mantzioris
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Body Weight ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
University Students ◽  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Saturated Fat ◽  
First Year ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Sedentary Behaviours ◽  
First Year University

Background: Students in the United States gain weight significantly during their first year of university, but limited data is available for Australian students. Methods: This 12-month observational study was conducA 12-Month Prospective Observational Study of Body Weight, Dietary Intake, and Physical Activity Levels in Australian First-Year University Studentsted to monitor monthly body weight and body composition, as well as quarterly eating behaviours, dietary intake, physical activity, sedentary behaviours, and basal metabolic rate changes amongst first-year Australian university students. Participants were first-year university students over 18 years. Results: Twenty-two first-year university students (5 males, 17 females) completed the study. Female students gained weight significantly at two, three and four-months (+0.9 kg; +1.5kg; +1.1 kg, p <0.05). Female waist circumference (2.5cm increase at two-months, p=0.012) and body fat also increased (+0.7%, p=0.04 at two-months; +0.9%, p=0.026 at three-months). Intake of sugar, saturated fat (both >10% of total energy) and sodium exceeded recommended levels (>2300 mg) at 12-months. Greater sedentary behaviours were observed amongst male students throughout the study (p <0.05). Conclusions: Female students are at risk of unfavourable changes in body composition during the first year of university, while males are at risk of increased sedentary behaviours. High intakes of saturated fat, sugars and sodium warrant future interventions in such a vulnerable group.

Effect of the transition from high school to university on anthropometric and lifestyle variables in malesPresented in part at the Canadian Society for Nutritional Sciences, Canadian Nutrition Congress, held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, from 18–21 June 2007.

2009 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 162-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison W. Pullman ◽  
Rachel C. Masters ◽  
Lindsay C. Zalot ◽  
Lauren E. Carde ◽  
Michelle M. Saraiva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
High School ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Male Students ◽  
First Year ◽  
Hip Circumference ◽  
Transition From High School ◽  
First Year University ◽  
Sedentary Activities

The obesity epidemic in North America has focused attention on the health risks of excess weight gain. The transition from high school to university is a critical period for weight gain, commonly referred to as the Freshman 15. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the transition from high school to university on anthropometrics and physical and sedentary activities in males. A total of 108 males completed 3 study visits: the summer prior to first year university, and the ends of the first and second semesters. Outcome measures were body mass, height, body mass index (BMI), body fat, waist circumference, hip circumference, waist:hip ratio, dietary intake, and participation in physical and sedentary activities. Between the summer prior to and the end of first year university, male students experienced a significant weight gain, of 3.0 kg, with significant increases in BMI, body fat, waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist:hip ratio. Energy and nutrient intake did not change. Final body mass was significantly predicted by intention for body mass to stay the same, relative to weight loss intention. Fast aerobic physical activity significantly decreased between the summer prior to and the end of first year university, while slow aerobic physical activity, strength training, and flexibility training did not change. Computer and studying time significantly increased, while television time and hours of nightly sleep significantly decreased between the summer prior to and the end of first year university. Weekly alcoholic drinks and binge drinking frequency significantly increased over this time period. In conclusion, between the summer prior to and the end of first year university, male students gained an average of 3.0 kg, with increases in related anthropometrics. These changes may be due to body mass change intention and (or) the observed decreased physical and increased sedentary activities, but appear to be unrelated to dietary intake.

Moderating Effects of Campus Recreation Participation in the Relationship between Grade Point Average and First-Year Student Engagement: An Exploratory Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Fallon Mayers ◽  
Austin W. Wilson ◽  
Luke R. Potwarka
Keyword(s):  
Student Engagement ◽  
University Students ◽  
Grade Point Average ◽  
First Year ◽  
Campus Recreation ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
Transition From High School ◽  
Recreation Participation ◽  
First Year University ◽  
The Relationship

Health and student success outcomes are often thought to be associated with campus recreation participation. Thus, decision makers at the university level are interested in the relationship between campus recreation participation, grade point average (GPA), and student engagement. Previous research has called for a clearer understanding of how campus recreation is meaningful for first-year university students and its potential influences on GPA. This study explored the influence of first-year students' campus recreation participation, GPA, and facets of student engagement. First-year university students ( N = 171) were surveyed. Demographic characteristics, GPA, and level of engagement on five scales were assessed. Results showed that GPA positively influenced those who participated in campus recreation on four facets of engagement. Results may help academic administrators to target efforts toward making the transition from high school to university easier. Promoting campus recreation participation may be effective for strengthening students' level of engagement and result in positive success outcomes.

scholarly journals Physical Activity, Loneliness, and Meaning of Friendship in Young Individuals – A Mixed-Methods Investigation Prior to and During the COVID-19 Pandemic With Three Cross-Sectional Studies

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sonia Lippke ◽  
Marie Annika Fischer ◽  
Tiara Ratz
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
University Students ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Team Sports ◽  
First Year ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
First Year University

Meaningful social interactions and regular physical activity are inversely associated with loneliness. Using a mixed-methods research design employing quantitative and qualitative research approaches, this research aimed to explore loneliness, physical activity, friendship, and experiences relating to the COVID-19 pandemic both prior to and during the pandemic. Quantitative data of (1) n = 363 first-year university students assessed in 2018/2019 and of (2) n = 175 individuals aged 18–29 years assessed in 2020 were gathered using independent self-administered online surveys. In addition, (3) n = 4 students were recruited for semi-structured, qualitative interviews in 2020 during the onset phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Correlation and regression analyses as well as analyses of variance were conducted. Thematic analysis as a qualitative method was used to explore the role physical activity, friendship, and social interactions played in loneliness, particularly in times of social isolation and social distancing. Results revealed associations of varying strength between physical activity and loneliness in 2018/2019 (r = −0.09, p ≤ 0.05) and 2020 (r = −0.20, p < 0.01). In 2020, n = 73 (41.7%) participants felt that their loneliness had increased since the COVID-19 social and physical distancing guidelines were introduced, but this was not associated with a perceived change in physical activity (r = −0.05, p > 0.05). Analyses of qualitative data revealed three main themes: (1) the lack of deep friendships at university, (2) the positive perceived impact of team sports on feelings of loneliness, and (3) the need for real connection in times of crisis. Thus, with regard to feelings of loneliness during the pandemic, being physically active seems to be a small but potentially relevant factor among young individuals. The qualitative study suggests that first-year university students might buffer the lack of deep friendships and meaningful interactions by building social bonds in team sports. In times of physical distancing, young individuals vulnerable to loneliness may therefore require special support such as doing sports with physical distance and perceiving connected with their team for instance by digital devices and emotional coping.

scholarly journals The Impact of a Web-Based Mindfulness, Nutrition, and Physical Activity Platform on the Health Status of First-Year University Students: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

10.2196/24534 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. e24534
Author(s):  
Claire F Trottier ◽  
Jessica R L Lieffers ◽  
Steven T Johnson ◽  
João F Mota ◽  
Roshni K Gill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
University Students ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Well Being ◽  
First Year ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
First Year University ◽  
The Impact

Background First-year university students are at an increased risk for developing mental health issues and a poor nutritional status. Self-care plays an essential role in optimizing mental health and can prevent or manage stress, anxiety, and depression. Web-based self-monitoring of diet and physical activity can lead to similar or improved health outcomes compared with conventional methods. Such tools are also popular among university students. Objective The primary aim of this 12-week randomized controlled trial is to assess the impact of a web-based wellness platform on perceived stress among first-year university students. The secondary aim is to assess the effects of the platform on diet quality. The exploratory objectives are to explore the effects of the platform on body composition, health-related quality of life, mindfulness, mental well-being, and physical activity. Methods A total of 97 first-year undergraduate students were randomized to either the intervention (n=48) or control (n=49) group. The intervention consisted of access to a web-based platform called My Viva Plan (MVP), which aims to support healthy living by focusing on the topics of mindfulness, nutrition, and physical activity. The platform is fully automated and guided by the principles of cognitive behavioral theory. Participants in the intervention group were instructed to use the MVP as frequently as possible over 12 weeks. The control group did not receive access to MVP. Perceived stress was assessed using the Stress Indicators Questionnaire at baseline, week 6, and week 12. Three-day food records were used to analyze the dietary intake at baseline and week 12. Health-related quality of life, mindfulness, mental well-being, and physical activity questionnaires were completed at baseline, week 6, and week 12. Body composition was assessed at baseline and week 12. Study assessments were completed in person at baseline and week 12 and electronically at week 6. Results Study recruitment started in August 2018, with batch enrollment for students registered in the fall (September 2018 to December 2018) and winter (January 2019 to April 2019) academic terms at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta. Conclusions This study is the first to explore the impact of a web-based platform designed to promote health and wellness on perceived stress and diet quality among first-year university students. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03579264; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03579264. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/24534

FAMILY COHESION AND AGE AS DETERMINANTS OF HOMESICKNESS IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

1998 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 195-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikolaos Kazantzis ◽  
Ross Flett
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Family Functioning ◽  
Family Cohesion ◽  
Psychological Effects ◽  
Chronological Age ◽  
First Year ◽  
Transition To University ◽  
High Level ◽  
First Year University ◽  
The Relationship

Despite the negative psychological effects associated with the transition to university, little is known about the relationship between homesickness and family functioning. One hundred first-year university students completed a questionnaire incorporating the Dundee Relocation Inventory (Fisher & Hood, 1987) measure of homesickness, and a measure of family functioning. A high level of homesickness was reported among students, with 18% of the variance in homesickness scores accounted for by family cohesion and chronological age. Implications for further research are discussed within the context of an unambiguous operationalization of homesickness and its effects.

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