Physical Activity and Academic SuccessMiles Cudworth, Tracy Merth, Katie Warden, and Colleen Whaley

Research & Evaluations, University of Minnesota REC 3291

Contents•Definitions•Purpose•Concept•Importance•Objectives•Data Collection and Methods•Data Information•Conclusion•Recommendations

Definitions•Physical Activity

▫Light to Vigorous▫Sports▫Unorganized/ Organized Activity▫Play

•Academic Success▫GPA of College Students

Purpose•To determine the relationship between

physical activity conducted and the GPA of college students

Research & Evaluations, University of Minnesota REC 3291

Concept

Physical

Activity

•Routine•Lifestyle•Amount•Sleep•Motivation•SportsGP

A

•Stress Levels•Other Commitments•Class Load•Level of Education•SatisfactionRelationship

Research & Evaluations, University of Minnesota REC 3291

Importance•Rising epidemic of obesity

▫65% of U.S. adults are overweight or obese(Healthy People 2010 Strategic Plan, 2005)

•Decrease in diseases

•Physical and Mental health

•Promotion of healthy lifestyles

•Benefits to college campuses

Research & Evaluations, University of Minnesota REC 3291

Objectives•Questionnaire Use

▫To gather information concerning the relationship between physical activity and the GPA of college students

•Compare other factors affecting the relationship▫Self Esteem▫Sleep Habits▫Gym Memberships▫Demographics

Research & Evaluations, University of Minnesota REC 3291

Data Collections

•Minutes of Physical Activity and Activity

Rating

•GPA vs. Average Physical Activity

•Gym Membership vs. Average Physical

Activity

•Self-Esteem vs. Healthy Lifestyle Rating

Research & Evaluations, University of Minnesota REC 3291

Methods Used

• Distribution

• Surveys

• Open- Ended Questions

• Closed Questions

• Partial-Closed Questions

Research & Evaluations, University of Minnesota REC 3291

Data InformationCorrelation

Research & Evaluations, University of Minnesota REC 3291

Minutes of Physical Activity and Activity Rating

Research & Evaluations, University of Minnesota REC 3291

Minutes of PA & Activity Rating

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Minutes of Physical Activity

Activ

ity R

atin

g

GPA and Average Physical Activity

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

0 2 4 6 8

Gra

de P

oint

Ave

rage

Average Physical Activity

GPA & Average PA

Research & Evaluations, University of Minnesota REC 3291

Gym Memberships and Average Physical Activity

Gym Membership & Average PA

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5

Gym Membership

Aver

age

Phys

ical

Act

ivity

Research & Evaluations, University of Minnesota REC 3291

Self-Esteem and Healthy Lifestyle Rating

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Hea

lthy

Life

styl

e R

atin

g

Self Esteem

Self-Esteem & Healthy Lifestyle Rating

Research & Evaluations, University of Minnesota REC 3291

Conclusions•No significant correlation between

physical activity and the GPA of college students

•No significant correlation between other factors that would affect the above relationship

Research & Evaluations, University of Minnesota REC 3291

Recommendations

• Increase Sample Size

• Diverse Population

• Use of Control Group

Sample's Majors

32%

11%

16%5%

5%

5%

5%

11%

5%5%

Commercial Rec

Public Relations

Recreation & Park

Outdoor Rec

Psychology

Architecture

Kinesiology, SportsManagement

other

Enivormental Studies

Sports Managemant

Research & Evaluations, University of Minnesota REC 3291

Questions?

Research & Evaluations, University of Minnesota REC 3291