Predictive Effects of Exercise on the Wellbeing of Undergraduate Students at the University of Ibadan
Chapter One
Objectives of the study
Main objective
The main objective of this study is to examine the predictive effects of exercise on the well-being of undergraduate students in the university of Ibadan.
Specific objectives
Specifically, the objectives of this study are to;
- Examine the perception of students on the perception of exercise.
- Examine the various kinds of exercise carried out by students.
- Examine the effects of exercise on academic performance.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Concept of exercise
Exercise is any bodily activity that enhances or maintains physical fitness and overall health and wellness. It is performed for various reasons, to aid growth and improve strength, preventing aging, developing muscles and the cardiovascular system, honing athletic skills, weight loss or maintenance, improving health and also for enjoyment. Many individuals choose to exercise outdoors where they can congregate in groups, socialize, and enhance well-being.
Exercise is a subset of physical activity that is planned, structured, repetitive, and purposeful in the sense that improvement or maintenance of physical fitness is the objective (Exercise and physical fitness, 2009; Exercise for students, 2009; WHO, 2010). Exercising is the physical exertion of the body making it to physical activity which results in a healthy or healthier level of physical fitness both mental and physical health. Exercise physiology is a sub-discipline of kinesiology that addresses the short term biological responses to the stress of physical activity and how the body adopts to repeated bouts of physical activity over time.
Regular physical activity has considerable health benefits. It builds and maintains bones, muscles, and joints (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2008). The building of lean muscle ultimately reduces fat (Saunders, 2009). Physical fitness prevents or reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2008). Additionally, it decreases the number of students struggling from diseases including diabetes, hypertension, elevated blood cholesterol, lowers the risk of colon cancer, and depression (Dimeo, Bauer, Varahram, Halter, 2001). All in all, physical activity leads to good health (Young, 2001). For some students, the structured physical education class that they receive at school may be the only preparation they have for an active lifestyle.
Physical exercise is important for maintaining physical fitness and can contribute to maintaining a healthy weight, regulating the digestive system, building and maintaining healthy bone density, muscle strength, and joint mobility, promoting physiological well-being, reducing surgical risks, and strengthening the immune system. Some studies indicate that exercise may increase life expectancy and the overall quality of life. People who participate in moderate to high levels of physical exercise have a lower mortality rate compared to individuals who by comparison are not physically active. Moderate levels of exercise have been correlated with preventing aging by reducing inflammatory potential. The majority of the benefits from exercise are achieved with around 3500 metabolic equivalent (MET) minutes per week, with diminishing returns at higher levels of activity. For example, climbing stairs 10 minutes, vacuuming 15 minutes, gardening 20 minutes, running 20 minutes, and walking or bicycling for transportation 25 minutes on a daily basis would together achieve about 3000 MET minutes a week. A lack of physical activity causes approximately 6% of the burden of disease from coronary heart disease, 7% of type 2 diabetes, 10% of breast cancer and 10% of colon cancer worldwide. Overall, physical inactivity causes 9% of premature mortality worldwide.
Worldwide there has been a large shift towards less physically demanding work. This has been accompanied by increasing use of mechanized transportation, a greater prevalence of labor saving technology in the home, and fewer active recreational pursuits. Personal lifestyle changes however can correct the lack of physical exercise.
Research in 2015 indicates integrating mindfulness to physical exercise interventions increases exercise adherence, self-efficacy and also has positive effects both psychologically and physiologically.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research design
The study employs quantitative descriptive research design to examine the predictive effects of exercise on the wellbeing of undergraduate students in the University of Ibadan. Descriptive research design is a scientific method which involves observing and describing the behaviour of a subject without influencing it in any way (Nwokoye, 2011).
Sources of Data
The data for this study were generated from two main sources; Primary sources and secondary sources. The primary sources include questionnaire, interviews and observation. The secondary sources include journals, bulletins, textbooks and the internet.
Population of the study
A study population is a group of elements or individuals as the case may be, who share similar characteristics. These similar features can include location, gender, age, sex or specific interest. The emphasis on study population is that it constitute of individuals or elements that are homogeneous in description (Prince Udoyen: 2019). In this study the study population constitute of students in the University of Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
Introduction
The results of the study are presented in tables in this chapter. The analysis of the data collected from the study was presented in accordance with the research questions and hypotheses.
CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Conclusion
This study was carried out on predictive effects of exercise on the wellbeing of undergraduate students in the university of Ibadan. Exercise and academic performance are related proportionally and it bears a positive influence on the education of the youth. We perceive that these activities increase student’s focus on studies and help them to succeed academically. The findings of our study suggest that exercise may bring about positive changes in student’s health and behavior.
Regular exercise for students in the form of sports and extracurricular activities not only benefit them physically, but also mentally. It imparts desirable behavior and transforms them into a successful and responsible adult in the society. Researchers opine that these findings will encourage modifications in educational policies that will increase exercise during the routine academics because it has been found that physicians’ personal exercise practices influence their clinical attitudes and practices. This new field of research is still in its infancy and many questions remain unanswered on the positive role exercise play for students in a learning environment. Any demonstrated relationship to academic performance is an important finding as its effect on students’ academic achievement is critical and therefore it has been given a lot of importance in today’s competitive world.
Recommendation
Based on the results of the present study, it can be suggested that:
- Professional colleges and universities should focus on the facilitation of exercise for students, through either outdoor or indoor opportunities.
- University of Ibadan should implement active recreation and intramural sports program.
- Regular exercises should be carried out by students daily in order to maintain a well functioning body and wellbeing.
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