RELIABILITY OF AN ON-LINE SYSTEM TO ASSESS PHYSICAL ACTIVITY BEHAVIORS IN AN ACTIVE GROUP OF KINESIOLOGY UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Knell, Gregory. Reliability of an on-line system to assess physical activity behaviors in an active group of kinesiology undergraduate students. Master of Science (Kinesiology), August 2013, 42 pp., 7 tables, 1 figure, references, 32 titles. Engaging in muscle strengthening activities (MSA) as part of a physical activity program offers health benefits. Although the merits of physical activity are well documented, many adults fail to meet appropriate levels as recommended in the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (PAGA). To get a more complete understanding on an individual’s physical activity behaviors, the Tracking Resistance Exercise and Strength Training (TREST) internet based survey was developed. The purpose of the current study was to determine the test-retest reliability of TREST items. Additionally, the prevalence of participants meeting the 2008 PAGA was reported by gender. The survey was completed approximately two weeks apart by 224 (52 % male) undergraduate kinesiology students. Analysis of the survey items presented TREST as a reliable instrument in assessing an individual’s physical activity behavior with a focus on MSA. Among the convenience sample of 445 participants (56 % male) that completed the survey in assessment #1, 73 % met the 2008 PAGA minimum recommendations for MSA (≥