Date of Award

2007

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Physical Education

Abstract

The purpose of this study was: (a) to determine the level of physical activity of athletic training graduate students in a National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) accredited Post-Certificate GraduateEducation Program; (b) identify the exercise stage of change of athletic training graduate students; and (c) to identify the impact curriculum had on physical activity behaviors. One hundred seventy-five students from 10 of the 11 Post-Certification GraduateEducation Programs were invited to participate in an online survey, 87 subjects participated. A demographic survey, physical activity questions from the National College Health Risk Behavior Survey (NCHRBS), a Stages of Exercise Change Questionnaire, and a Qualitative Barriers Questionnaire were completed. SPSS software was used to analyze survey data. Results revealed 15.9% of the subjects were sedentary, 47.6% active, 4.9% moderate, and 31.7% were classified as vigorous during a seven-day period. Exercise stages of change found 53.7% of subjects in the contemplation or preparation stages and 46.3% in the action or maintenance stages. A multinomial logistic regression found no significant relationship between physical activity levels and curriculum. The qualitative data was coded and categorized by relevant themes. These themes revealed that the majority of students felt overwhelmed with long hours spent in clinical assignments and completing research, and 68.3% of subjects reported that curriculum decreased their physical activity behaviors.

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