PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PATTERNS OF PETE MAJORS: DO THEY WALK THE TALK?

Authors

  • Mary E. LaVine
  • Cortney Ray

Abstract

It is well established and supported by research that regular physical activity has positive benefits to health. Currently, there is much concern about the decreasing amount of physical activity in adults and children with a corresponding increase in obesity and morbidity/ mortality rates. This study was designed to investigate the activity patterns of physical education teacher education (PETE) majors. The purpose of the study was to raise the level of awareness for PETE majors as to the value and benefits of physical activity and allow these majors to gain a greater understanding of the need to adopt a lifestyle of being more physically active, not only for themselves, but also for the children they will teach. Seventeen first and second year physical education teacher education (PETE) majors were given a pedometer and required to report their daily steps and types of physical activity using an online reporting tool. The majors wore the pedometer for 30 days during the fall and spring semester and were given an analysis of their personal physical activities. Results indicated that in the fall study the majors were not reaching the minimum recommended level of physical activity which, after the intervention of education and an increased level of awareness in the spring semester, led to an increase in their physical activity. It appears that by the end of the study that these majors realized the importance of being physically active for a lifetime.?

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Published

2006-10-26

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Section

Articles