The Implementation and Outcomes of Exercise Is Medicine on Campus
- 15 October 2018
- journal article
- Published by Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health) in Translational Journal of the American College of Sports Medicine
- Vol. 3 (20), 158-168
- https://doi.org/10.1249/tjx.0000000000000071
Abstract
Widespread implementation of Exercise Is Medicine® on Campus (EIM-OC) has the potential to address college student physical inactivity; however, limited research has comprehensively assessed how EIM-OC is operationalized at campuses. Purpose This study aimed to assess EIM-OC implementation and outcomes at various academic institutions. Methods A survey was developed in consultation with key EIM-OC stakeholders and administered online among EIM-OC representatives. Data collected included institutional information; promotion, education, and healthcare system integration; partnerships; challenges; and goals. Descriptive statistics were used to explore institution characteristics and other variables. Thematic analysis was conducted to identify the dominant themes and subthemes in qualitative data collected from open-ended questions. Results Forty-one responses were received from a diverse group of academic institutions ranging in size (50,000 students) and type (public and private). Campus recreation departments, campus health providers, and student organizations/clubs emerged as the most important partners. Student involvement was critical to the success of many EIM-OC programs, with students involved in a range of roles from promotion (n = 20), leadership/organization/planning (n = 18), education (n = 16), implementation (n = 14), and data collection (n = 10). Implementing the physical activity vital sign emerged as a common challenge, with many institutions having no protocol in place for arranging a follow-up between students and physical fitness professionals after referral acceptances, and no protocol existing for referral declinations. Finally, social media was underused, with no social media platforms used by over a third of programs. Conclusion EIM-OC programs at various institutions experienced similar challenges. This research will serve to inform and improve on the implementation and outcomes of EIM-OC programs and ultimately contribute to helping academic institutions increase the physical activity of students and their local communities.Keywords
This publication has 16 references indexed in Scilit:
- Changes in weight, physical activity, sedentary behaviour and dietary intake during the transition to higher education: a prospective studyInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, 2015
- Physical Activity Among Community College StudentsThe Physical Educator, 2015
- Assessment of physical inactivity and perceived barriers to physical activity among health college students, south-western Saudi Arabia.Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal, 2014
- Sociodemographic determinants of university students’ lifestylesRevista de Salud Publica (bogota, Colombia), 2014
- Long-term health benefits of physical activity – a systematic review of longitudinal studiesBMC Public Health, 2013
- Determinants and patterns of physical activity practice among Spanish university studentsJournal of Sports Sciences, 2011
- A Comparison of Factors Associated with Physical Inactivity Among East Asian College StudentsInternational Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 2011
- Lifestyle risk factors of students: A cluster analytical approachPreventive Medicine, 2010
- The Prevalence of Physical Activity Maintenance in a Sample of University Students: A Longitudinal StudyJournal of American College Health, 2007
- A Meta-Analysis of College Students' Physical Activity BehaviorsJournal of American College Health, 2005