Evaluation of an interdisciplinary, physically active lifestyle course model.

摘要

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a fit for life program at a university and to use the findings from an extensive literature review, consultations with formative and summative committees, and data collection to develop an interdisciplinary, physically active lifestyle (IPAL) course model.;To address the 5 research questions examined in the study, 2 tools were developed. The Leisure Time Physical Activity Survey was used to assess physical activity behaviors and opinions of faculty and students regarding an IPAL course model. A Best Practice Evaluation Checklist was developed to compare the traditional Fit for Life I and II courses to national guidelines.;The null hypothesis stated that students would not choose to enroll in an IPAL course in place of the required, traditional Fit for Life I and II courses if an IPAL course were to be implemented at the university: Based on the chi-square analysis, the null hypothesis was rejected. A significantly larger number of students (68.3%) preferred enrolling in an IPAL course compared to those who would rather enroll in the traditional, required Fit for Life I and II courses (31.7%). Further data analysis revealed the need to create a course that would meet national guidelines in order to make changes in physical fitness indicators to avoid hypokinetic diseases.;Future recommendations included, but were not limited to, a study that analyzed the differences between traditional, general education courses and IPAL courses with regard to student outcomes, particularly, grade point average, attitudes toward physical activity, and physical fitness indicators that predict overall health.