Varghese C. Antony ¹, Rakesh Tomar ²

Affiliations
1 Physical Education Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, SA
2 Physical Education Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Mineral, SA

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Motivation is a complex phenomenon that driven from the ‘inside’ by some needs, impulses, desires, wishes, or motives, and directed towards achieving a goal that from the outside functions as a stimulus for behavior. The objective of the study was to investigate participation motives of Saudi university students towards physical activity at different educational levels. Method: The participants were undergraduate students (n = 1039), mean age 20.60 ± 1.679 yrs. On the basis of educational level five categories were formed as orientation (n = 352), freshmen (n = 293), sophomore (n = 191), junior (n = 93), and senior (n = 110). Motivation for Physical Activities Measure-Revised was administered to measure participation motives. Rank order applied for the most and least important reasons for participation towards physical activity and sports. Findings: University students’ rated the most important reasons for participation towards physical activity and sports as fitness and then appearance factors, which are explained by extrinsic motivation. The least important reason for participation motivation reported was social factors. It was observed that students always take time to find friends. It might be due to this choice of friendship that students consider as the main reason to participate in physical activity Ryckman and Hamel. ANOVA showed significant differences among educational levels on competence factor 3.419, p = .009; social factor 9.746, p = .001. Students tend to improve their competence, enjoyment or interest through physical activity and sports to optimize their physical well-being with progression of educational levels. Application/ Improvement: To impart the knowledge of fitness and health benefits, mentors and counselors should help and motivate students to take up the physical activities seriously. The infrastructural facilities for physical activities are not optimizing it to their advantage. To optimize the social experience of students there is a need for strategies to reduce the gap in socialization among students.

Keywords

Educational Level, Fitness, Motivation, Participation, Physical Activity

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Rakesh Tomar ¹, Abdul Hameed Al Ameer ¹, Varghese C. Antony ¹

Affiliations
1 King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran - 34464, SA

Abstract

Background/Objectives: To describe the perception and awareness of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) among university teachers of King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals and to compare if there were differences between high and low risk groups on knowledge of cardiovascular disease. Method: A questionnaire consisting of 44 statements adopted from Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire -2 (HDFQ -2) and Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) was distributed to 87 teachers of King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) to assess knowledge of Cardiovascular Disease among participants. The study took place between 1st January 2012 and 1st January 2014 at KFUPM, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. An exploratory study design was used to describe the perception and awareness towards of teachers towards CVD. T -Test was employed to compare knowledge of heart disease between risk groups. Results: Results revealed no significant difference between low and high risk groups on knowledge of Cardiovascular Disease (t = -.372, p = .711). The mean knowledge scores for low risk group were (72.97) while high risk group was (74.31). From results it was evident that greater awareness and knowledge of heart disease does not affect life style or risk factors of heart disease. Application/Improvement: There was no relation between knowledge of Cardiovascular Disease, lifestyle habits and risk factors among teachers. Teachers misperceived their general health and body mass. Higher risk group teachers were unable to perceive their heath correctly.

Keywords

Cardiovascular Disease;Perception;university teachers

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Rakesh Tomar ¹

Affiliations
1 King Fahd University of Petroleum and Mineral, Box # 1271 Dhahran 31261, SA

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined the differences in body fat percent and its variables comparing it with different age groups in university male students. The present study also aimed at constructing body fat standards for university male students. Methods/Statistical Analysis: Five thousand male participants were chosen randomly for the purpose of research. The participant’s age was from 18-25 years. Eight age groups were formed according to the age of participating students. Group one had participants with 18 years of age, group two - 19 years, group three - 20 years, group four - 21 years, group five - 22 years, group six - 23 years, group seven - 24 years and group eight had participants with 25 years of age. All participants had undergone testing on selected variables at different times. Technical support was taken from physical education expert to collect the data on body fat percent and other variables. Collected data was analyzed with one-wayanova and .05 were set as the level of significance. Findings: Analysis of collected data from present study revealed a highly significant difference in body fat percent between various age groups (F 7, 4992 = 93.6), fat mass (F 7, 4992 = 56.80), lean body mass ( F 7, 4992 = 15.23) and body density (F 7, 4992 = 94.81). The range for body fat standards was <2 % for group one (18 years) to >27% for group eight (25 years). Application/Improvement: There was as ignificant change in body fat percent, lean mass, fat mass and body density among different age groups. Body fat increased with the advancement of age in university youths. The significant difference found can be attributed to various factors. Body fat percent was least in the first year of university i.e. 18 years age group. The student seems to be more active in early years of their college. While it was observed that body fat percent was highest in group eight (25 years) i.e. during the later stages of the university. Generally, students are less inclined towards physical activities in the later stage of their university years due to more concentration towards studies and career building. This may lead to accumulation of more fat in this age group.

Keywords

Age, Body Fat Percent, University Students.

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Rakesh Tomar ¹, John Ainsworth Allen ¹

Affiliations
1 King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, SA

Abstract

Objectives: We examined the effect of twelve week non supervised exercise programme on prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms on university employees at work place in Saudi Arabia. We also followed up participants in intervention group for six months after twelve weeks of exercise programme to examine if non supervised exercise programme has a sustainable effect. Methods/Statistical Analysis: We randomized twenty-seven males whose age was from (27–57 y) into two groups; intervention (n = 13) and control group (n = 14). Twelve weeks of non-supervised programme was given to intervention group. Exercise sessions were offered two times in each week constituting 30 min of aerobic and eight core exercises for resistance training. Intervention group participants were followed six months after 12 weeks of exercise. Findings: No significant difference in prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms during past 12 months and past 7 days between intervention and control after 12 weeks of exercise at workplace. Wilcoxon signed rank test revealed significant difference with in intervention group after 6 month follow up only on depression (Z = -2.530, P = .011), fasting blood sugar with in intervention group (Z = -2.313, P = .021) and low density lipoprotein (Z = -1.958, P = .050). Application/Improvement: Twelve weeks of non-supervised intervention at work place was not effective in bringing significant change in prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in participating subjects. After six month follow up no significant change was seen in most of the parameters except fasting blood sugar, low density lipoprotein and depression.

Keywords

Exercise, Musculoskeletal Symptoms, University, Work Place.

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Rakesh Tomar ¹, John Ainsworth Allen ¹

Affiliations
1 King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Work places are important settings for interventions to increase physical activity¹ and physical activity is one option to increase work ability². The aim of the study was to examine the effect of 12 week exercise programme on lipid profile, depression, work ability and selected physical parameters in university employees. Methods: Twenty-seven males with age ranging from (27–57 y) were randomized into intervention (n = 13) and control group (n = 14). Twelve weeks of non-supervised exercise programme was administered to intervention group. Exercise was performed twice a week consisting of 30 min of aerobic and resistance training. Results: After 12 weeks significant improvement was seen in depression (P = 0.035), total cholesterol (P = 0.027), low density lipoprotein (P = 0.016), body weight (P=.0003), fat percent (P= 0.001), body mass index (P=0.01) and resting heart rate (P= 0.036) in exercise group while no significant improvement was observed in work ability (P = 0.138), high density lipoprotein (P = 0.097) triglycerides (P = 0.582), very low density lipoprotein (P = 0.523), fasting blood sugar (P= 0.233), systolic pressure (P= 0.223) and diastolic pressure (P= 0.908). Application/improvement: Twelve weeks of non-supervised exercise programme was effective and enhanced improvement in physical parameters and lowered total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein in male employees of university.

Keywords

Depression, Intervention, Lipid Profile, University Employees, Workplace, Work Ability

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Rakesh Tomar ¹, Varghese C. Antony ¹

Affiliations
1 King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, SA

Abstract

Objectives: Present study examined how 16 weeks of six a side supervised recreational football affected serum immunoglobulin and white blood cells in untrained males. Methods/Analysis: We selected 27 untrained males having mean age (18.87±.79) years. These participants were then randomly allocated to two groups; football (n = 12) and control group (n = 15). Sixteen weeks of supervised recreational football training was offered to football group. Football sessions were conducted two times a week with 30min duration. Analysis of Covariance was employed to find any difference in two groups after 16 weeks of football training. Findings: Significant increase was seen after 16 weeks in total white blood cell count (P = 0.001), eosinophil (P = 0.006) and basophil (P = 0.005), while no significant improvement was observed in Neutrophil (P = 0.797), lymphocytes (P = 0.820), IgA (P = .158), IgG (P = .077) and IgM (P= .655). Monocytes and eosinophil counts decreased significantly whereas basophil counts increased significantly post football training. Novelty/ Improvement: Sixteen weeks of supervised recreation football training was effective in increasing total WBC count in untrained males. Our training was vigorous in nature as indicated by high average heart rate during the training sessions. Further, recreation football could not affect serum immunoglobulin significantly but there was some substantive increase in IgG levels.

Keywords

Intervention, Football, Recreation, Serum Immunoglobulin, Six a Side, White Blood Cell.

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Varghese C Antony ¹, Rakesh Tomar ¹

Affiliations
1 Physical Education Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran-31261, SA

Abstract

Objectives: Self-esteem is considered one of the fundamental indicators of mental health (Fox, 2000). The objective was to examine the effect of 16 weeks of supervised fartlek training on self-esteem on undergraduate students (n=40; Mage 18.52 years). Methods/Statistical Analysis: Two groups were formed and randomized into intervention (n=20) which was given 16 weeks of supervised fartlek training program and control group (n=20). Control group participants continued with daily routine. Time duration of the training program was 45 minutes per session, twice per week. Rosenberg’s Self-esteem scale (1965) was administered to both groups prior and after 16 weeks of intervention program. Wilcoxon signed rank test and Mann-Whitney Test was used to determine the differences between pre and post scores and between groups respectively. Findings: Significant difference was notified between pre and post fartlek intervention group on self-esteem 22 (5) versus 25 (4), p<.001. No significant difference observed on self-esteem between pre and post median score of students’ in the control group where physical activity p<4 hours per week 23 (4) and 24 (2), P= .475; but it showed significantly different where the physical activity >4 per week 23.5 (5) and 26 (4), P= .045. Application/Improvement: Self-esteem improved with sixteen weeks of fartlek intervention program. It was suggested that students who were not adequately engaged in physical activities that is <4 hours per week need to undergo an intervention program or be motivated to engage in regular physical activities 4 hours and more per week in order to boost their self-esteem.

Keywords

Fartlek Training, Physical Activity, Self-esteem, University Student.

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