University campus settings and the promotion of physical activity in young adults: lessons from research in Australia and the USA

Describes the decreasing prevalence of physical activity participation over the young adult years and the patterns of difference in the physical activity habits of young men and young women. Physical activity habits during the young adult years are likely to be important influences on habitual physical activity during overall adult life and, consequently, have significant implications for long-term health outcomes. Tertiary-education campuses are settings where there exist important yet partially neglected opportunities to influence the physical activity habits of young adults. Uses examples from Australia and the USA are used to characterise relevant contextual and practical aspects of the campus setting and the physical activity promotion opportunities that it may provide. Reviews findings from two campus-based physical activity intervention studies. In conclusion, identifies a set of issues that require further research.<br />

Equity and access in an e-enhanced, international, university environment: learning style implications

Globalisation and technological development have simultaneously pressured universities to provide students with flexible and innovative learning options. Among the ways universities address these issues are by internationalising their curriculum and investing in educational technology. These changes have affected pedagogical and andragogical approaches and outcomes. Learning styles potentially affect the strategic approach of academics when utilising innovative technological tools in their teaching, which converges with internationalisation of the curriculum and a diverse student body to accentuate the issues of equity and access. The literature in this field is explored in context with the authors&rsquo; diverse experiences to provide policy makers, academics and other education stakeholders with a new perspective.<br />

A university campus physical activity program

<b>Issue addressed</b>: The transition from youth to adulthood is associated with significant decreases in leisure time physical activity. University campuses are settings in which young adults' physical activity may be influenced. <br /><br /><b>Methods</b>: Following a survey of students at two urban university campuses, a physical activity program was implemented at one campus over 8 weeks. A follow up survey was then conducted at both campuses. Physical activity was assessed by deriving leisure time participation categories from self reported activity in the last 2 weeks. <br /><br /><b>Results</b>: Following the campus based programs, students at the intervention campus were significantly more likely to be sufficiently active for long term health benefits than were those at the comparison campus (P&lt;0.001) due to an increase in the proportion of vigorously active students. <br /><br /><b>Conclusions</b>: Providing programs and opportunities to be physically active in university campuses may help to promote physical activity in young adults. <br /><br /><b>So what?</b>: Settings based approaches to promoting physical activity in young adults may be pursued at university campuses where facilities and infrastructure exist to support such strategies. <br />