Effects of Six Weeks of Balance and Strength Training on Measures of Dynamic Balance of Older Adults

Christopher J. Knerl; Petra B. Schuler; Lemuel W. Taylor; Ludmila M. Cosio-lima; Karla A. Caillouet

doi:10.32398/cjhp.v7i2.2019

Christopher J. Knerl Department of Health, Leisure and Exercise Science, The University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL, USA
Petra B. Schuler Department of Health, Leisure and Exercise Science, The University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL, USA
Lemuel W. Taylor Department of Exercise Science and Sports Science, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Belton, TX, USA
Ludmila M. Cosio-lima Department of Health, Leisure and Exercise Science, The University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL, USA
Karla A. Caillouet Department of Health, Leisure and Exercise Science, The University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL, USA

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32398/cjhp.v7i2.2019

Abstract

Purpose: Reliable tools on measuring outcomes of service-learning (SL) are scarce. This study aimed to develop and test a service-learning assessment tool to measure students’ perceived self-efficacy on program planning related competencies (SL-SEPP) and an overall SL impact scale. Methods: Students in a core Master of Public Health (MPH) course on program planning participated in the study (n=44). Course-based SL projects were incorporated into the learning process. Data from the baseline survey were used to assess the reliability of the 12-item SL-SEPP, and data from the posttest survey were used to assess the 5-item overall SL impact scale at the end of the course. Results: Data showed satisfactory reliability scores, with Cronbach alpha of .87 for the SL-SEPP and .84 for the overall impact scale. Even with this relatively small sample size, preliminary analyses showed that the SL-SEPP was sensitive to detect meaningful changes of self-efficacy scores after the course. Conclusion: This study provides needed pilot data supporting the reliabilities of the SL-SEPP tool. The study has implications for researchers and educators to apply or adapt this tool to assess student self-efficacy outcomes on program planning competencies.