Award Date

12-2011

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Exercise Physiology

Department

Kinesiology and Nutrition Sciences

First Committee Member

Richard Tandy, Chair

Second Committee Member

John Young

Third Committee Member

Laura Kruskall

Graduate Faculty Representative

Patricia Alpert

Number of Pages

75

Abstract

The increasing rates of obesity continue to threaten the vitality of our nation. Health care costs are soaring and chronic diseases are reaching even the youngest populations. Physical activity is an integral component in reversing the obesity epidemic and improving the health of today's workforce. The present study sought to determine the effect of a work site exercise program on select fitness and psychological parameters. Five female employees participated in a six-week exercise program utilizing HealthBeat(TM) outdoor exercise equipment in a circuit fashion for 30 minutes, 2 days per week. Eighty percent of participants were categorized as sedentary or low-active using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, and body fat using the Omron and Lange calipers, was measured before and after the intervention to determine anthropometric changes. Participants performed a 3-minute step test, YMCA bench press, and YMCA sit up test to determine any changes in aerobic and/or muscular endurance. Positive and negative affect changes were determined using the Positive and Negative Affect Scale - Expanded Edition (PANAS-X). Other self-reported questionnaires were used to determine changes in self-efficacy and physical activity habits.

After the intervention participants reduced their body fat percentage using Lange calipers (p =0.049) and the Omron ( p =0.020). Participants were able to complete significantly more sit-ups (p =0.016) and bench press repetitions (p = 0.019) after the intervention. Positive affect also increased significantly (p =0.036). Three out of five participants recorded starting additional physical activity after the intervention began. When asked how likely they are to continue being physically active in the next six months, participants scored an average of 7.4 on a scale of 10.

Keywords

Employee health promotion; Exercise; Obesity; Overweight persons

Disciplines

Exercise Science | Medicine and Health | Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene | Psychology of Movement | Public Health | Work, Economy and Organizations

File Format

pdf

Degree Grantor

University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Language

English

Rights

IN COPYRIGHT. For more information about this rights statement, please visit http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

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