Exercise is Medicine Survey Research Recruitment

The University of Arkansas is part of a global health initiative called Exercise is Medicine. It was started by the American College of Sports Medicine to promote physical activity.

The U of A organization is housed in the Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation, and students are conducting a research study to assess the health behaviors and mental/physical health outcomes of students, faculty, and staff. Over the past two years, approximately 1,000 participants (made up of students, faculty, and staff on campus) have completed the survey, allowing researchers to observe important findings on campus, including: 

• 19% of students surveyed report NO leisure time physical activity 
• 56% of faculty and staff survey reported poor sleep 
• Better reported sleep was associated with fewer depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms. 
• Leisure physical activity was associated with a better happiness score and perception of overall health. 

Last year, the program successfully partnered with freshmen engineering students to gather data specific to their cohort. We found: 

• Eating vegetables 4 or more times a week was associated with higher math and overall GPAs. 
• Higher Depression scores were associated with lower math, engineering, and overall GPAs. 

This year, Exercise is Medicine researchers are hoping to learn more about students, faculty, and staff across the U of A. You're invited to take a secured online survey to help with research efforts. Participants who complete the survey will be entered into a drawing for an amazon gift card.

"We believe that evaluating health behaviors and outcomes on college campuses is the first step in creating healthier campuses," said Bryce Daniels, advisor of the organization and an Exercise Science Phd student, "Those who participate in the survey are helping to make the U of A campus a healthier place."

 If you have any questions please contact Bryce Daniels, bxd013@uark.edu, or Erin Howie-Hickey, ekhowie@uark.edu.