Date of Graduation

5-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Kinesiology (MS)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

Health, Human Performance and Recreation

Advisor/Mentor

Erin Howie Hickey

Committee Member

Michelle Gray

Second Committee Member

Kaitlin Gallagher

Keywords

physical activity, group fitness, collegiate recreation, self-efficacy, exercise

Abstract

Self-efficacy is one of the largest predictors of behavior, when related to exercise studies have shown that self-efficacy can predict drop-out rates within six months of being an exercise program (Middelkamp, et. al., 2016; Sallis, et. al., 1988). College students have the biggest decline in physical activity when compared to other stages of life (Buckworth, 2001; Grubbs & Carter, 2002). University recreation centers provide group fitness classes for students to promote physical activity. Minimal research has been done to show the impact that group fitness classes has on student life. This study aimed to show the impact of group fitness classes on self-efficacy levels, when compared to independent exercise groups. It had a pre-post test design and assessed change in self-efficacy via survey over the course of the spring semester at the University of Arkansas. A total of 112 students completed the survey from pre to post test. Overall changes in self-efficacy were determined using a t-test to compare means from pre to post test. ANOVA was used to determine significance levels for several confounding variables: physical activity level, physical activity enjoyment, and start of physical activity participation. No significant changes were found in the change in self-efficacy overtime (p<0.05). There was no difference between participants who attended group fitness class or individuals who exercise independently in regards to their self-efficacy levels.

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