Publication Date

1998

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Pellett, Tracy L.

Degree Name

M.S. Ed. (Master of Education)

Legacy Department

Department of Physical Education

LCSH

High school students--Psychology; Physical fitness for youth--Psychological aspects

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if senior high school students’ positive well-being, psychological distress, fatigue, and enjoyment change with different modes of fitness activity (traditional fitness vs. sport fitness) at a moderate level of intensity (140-180 bpm). Fifty-five sophomores, juniors, and seniors enrolled in a high school physical education class participated in one of four fitness activities every other day. Two activities were traditional fitness (running; step-aerobics) and two were sport fitness (ballistic basketball; ultimate indoor soccer). Participants were required to maintain a moderate exercise intensity (140-180 bpm) for a minimum of 20 minutes out of a 30-minute lesson as measured by POLAR ACCUREX II heart rate monitors. Participants completed a Subjective Exercise Experiences Scale (SEES) pre- and postexercise in order to determine changes in positive well-being, psychological distress, and fatigue. Participants responded to an additional item, postexercise, in order to assess post-activity levels of enjoyment. Results showed that over time participants displayed a significant increase in positive well-being (£ 1,239 = 18.73, < .0001) after participation regardless of the activity. No significant differences were discovered when examining participants’ perceptions of fatigue or psychological distress. Analysis of covariance revealed no significant differences between activities for positive well-being, psychological distress, or fatigue. In relation to post-activity perceptions of enjoyment, analysis of variance displayed a significant difference (£ 3 ^ 3 4 = 11.53, e < .0001) between activities. Participants enjoyed ballistic basketball and ultimate indoor soccer more than running and step aerobics. Based on the findings of this study we conclude that participants experience greater enjoyment through participation in sport fitness activities as opposed to traditional fitness activities. We also conclude that positive well-being increases over time regardless of the activity when performed at a moderate exercise intensity.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references (pages [22]-24)

Extent

iv, 56 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

Download

Share

COinS