College Health Students’ Knowledge and Perceptions of Exercise Benefits and Dysfunctional Exercise

Ying Li; Linda A. Keeler; Megan Julia Jetter

doi:10.32398/cjhp.v15i1.1891

Ying Li Community Health at Western Washington University
Linda A. Keeler Sport and Exercise Psychology at Western Washington University
Megan Julia Jetter Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician with Olympic Ambulance

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32398/cjhp.v15i1.1891

Abstract

Background and Purpose: A high percentage of people fail to meet the federal Physical Activity Guidelines while some adults develop dysfunctional exercise. The applications of Self-Determination Theory (SDT) in the field of physical activity suggest that how people are motivated to exercise can lead to different outcomes, such as dysfunctional exercise. Adequate training for health promotion professionals can ensure their competency in successfully promoting healthy exercise. This study assessed the knowledge and perceptions regarding exercise benefits and dysfunctional exercise among Kinesiology and Community Health students—the future health professionals. Methods: A crosssectional study was conducted in a convenience sample of 183 participants from a public university in the northwest region. Results: Both Kinesiology and Community Health majors demonstrated a low level of knowledge regarding dysfunctional exercise, and were inclined to cite controlled rather than autonomous benefits for exercise engagement. Conclusion: Program curriculum changes, such as the coverage of dysfunctional exercise and Self-Determination Theory, should be considered to address the issue.