Introduction Summary
According to Danoff & Raupers, long term exercises impact positively on people’s health. Taking into account the immense significance that exercise has on health, some colleges develop one-semester courses aimed at giving students an opportunity to learn and practice safe exercise techniques. Danoff & Raupers noted that researchers have not established whether the one-semester courses were enough to have any effect on an individual’s physiological characteristics. For this reason, they carried out the study to assess the impact of one-semester courses, which run for 12-14 weeks, on physiological characteristics.
Methodologies for Research
The study involved students who had enrolled for a one-semester exercise and conditioning class, which lasted for 14 weeks during the fall 2010 and summer 2011. The main objective of the course, which was part of the University’s program was to teach students easy and uncomplicated exercises that would be an integral part of health and an active lifestyle. Both males and females aged between 18-25 years were welcomed to participate in the study. A total of 136 students participated in the study, which was divided into four sections; however, only 79 participants completed the study, and the observations and inferences were based on the students who completed the exercise study. The participants were required to participate in two classes per week, going for 50 minutes, for 14 weeks.
Results of the Study
After collecting different data and carrying out statistical analyses comparisons for different physiological characteristics and performances, such as HR, SBP, DBP, BW, %BF, HG, PU, SU, and HREC during and after the exercise class, Danoff & Raupers found that after the course there was a significant decrease in resting heart rate; however, there was no significant impact on SBP, DBP, BW, %BF. However, performance variables like HG, PU, SU improved significantly; similarly, there was a decrease in step test HR recovery.
Conclusions
The study results suggested that the one-semester exercise class had improvements in some physiological and performance results. One limitation, however, is the fact that the exercise class had no letter grading which springs out the question of students’ participation and motivation.
Future Implications
Because a 14-weeks class, which is the longest a semester can last, is a short period, there is a suggestion that in a future study the period should be increased to allow accurate assessments of all physiological aspects like the blood pressure, which require at least three months before changes can be observed.
Critique of the Article
The study was the first to assess the impact of a one-semester course on physiological characteristics and had many limitations. First, there are many factors that influence physiological traits. According to the authors, the participants of the study did not maintain a diet record. Similarly, stress has an impact on physiological characteristics. Therefore, while Danoff & Rauper’s study has insightful information on the impact of a one-semester activity on physiological activity, I firmly hold that more research addressing all factors that impact physiological characteristics should be carried out.