Honors Theses

Date of Award

2017

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

Health, Exercise Science, and Recreation Management

First Advisor

Paul Loprinzi

Relational Format

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

Exercise and sedentary behavior are both important subsets of PA (Physical Activity) to study, with emerging research demonstrating that sedentary behavior may predict mental health outcomes independent of PA. Additionally, a correlation has been observed between diet and PA, but few studies on this topic have employed an intervention design. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine whether changes in PA and sedentary behavior influence mood profile and dietary behavior. The PA intervention consisted of progressively increasing their vigorous-intensity PA (jogging) over a 4-week period among an inactive population. The sedentary group was asked not to exercise, but instead, refrain from prolonged sitting (<45 min at a time). The control group was asked to remain inactive over the 4-week period. The control group showed a significant increase in hostility over time, whereas the two intervention groups did not. Also, improved dietary behaviors were seen in both interventional groups. The sedentary break group, in particular, improved consistently over time, whereas the jogging group improved most from baseline to midpoint. Based on these results, it can be speculated that both participating in vigorous activity and breaking up time spent in sedentary behaviors can positively influence mood profile and dietary behaviors.

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