IJSR - International Journal of Scientific Research

Samuel Joseph Bebeley; Yang Liu; Wu Yiâ€“gang

Volume : VI, Issue : IX, September - 2017

Weekly Leisure Time Exercise for College Studentsâ€™ Level of Motivation in Physical Activity: A Concern for Physical and Public Health Education

Samuel Joseph Bebeley, Yang Liu, Wu Yi Gang

Abstract :

Background: Physical activity is a public health factor that relates to human movement patterns and structures of the musculoskeletal systems that requires the intake and expenditure of kilocalories for improved wellness and healthy lifestyle, which prevents cardiovascular related diseases and mortality. This study only aimed at scoring the measured and evaluated factors under weekly leisure time exercise for college students’ level of motivation in physical activity: a concern for physical and public health education.

Methods: Weekly Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (WLTEQ) was adopted as survey instrument. The variables were analyzed using IBM SPSSv.23 Statistics, with sampled participants of (N=500); mean and standard deviation (M±SD) age of 28.5±9.5 with a response rate of 100%, ranged from 19–38 years, selected using a process of simple random sampling method.

Results: A significant difference was recorded regarding all tested variables with highest scores displayed as follows: under Time Spent on PA [PA 2–3 times a week = 206 (41.2%); PA 2days a week = 124 (24.8%); PA approximately 1hr = 200 (40.0%)] and under PA Status [PA average = 250 (50.0%); Not enough PA = 406 (81.6%); Study pressure, no time = 298 (59.6%)] in tables 1 & 2. The results were tested @ significance level p<0.05.

Conclusion and Recommendation: In the final analysis, the greater majority of respondents under sex and institution, recorded insignificant values with respect to both time spent on physical activity and physical activity status. It was recommended that, a mandatory course or programme in health and physical education or literacy be instituted in schools and colleges to educate pupils and students about spending time on physical activity during and after graduation to help maximize motivational level for physical activity and minimize cardiovascular related diseases and mortality.