Relationships among physical activity levels, physical measures, and barriers to physical activity in college women

Abstract

This study examined the relationships among physical activity levels based on the Kaiser Physical Activity Survey (KPAS), waist circumference, body mass index (BMI), and barriers to physical activity using a survey (Barriers to Physical Activity Survey). A total of 208 participants, ages 18 to 44 were used in the analyses. The mean Total Activity Score was 9.9 plus or minus 2.23. Focus group analyses were used to determine the top barriers to physical activity. MANOVA analyses revealed significant differences between student types (traditional and non-traditional) on the Occupational Index and the Active Living Habits Index. Traditional students had significantly lower scores than non traditional students on the Occupational Index, and non traditional students had significantly lower scores than traditional students on the Active Living Habits Index. Using stepwise multiple regressions, the major predictors to a high Mean Barriers to Physical Activity Score included having an increased BMI.