Holistic wellness as a means to developing a lifestyle approach to health behavior among college students.
OBJECTIVE
The authors examined the influence of a holistic model of wellness on activity level among obese and sedentary college students.


METHODS
They recruited 41 participants for an 11-week program.


METHODS
Participants were required to record daily walking totals and complete 5 bimonthly classes where principles of holistic wellness were discussed. Pre- and posttest values of activity level (walking activity, cardiovascular training, general activity, and resistance training) and pre- and posttest knowledge and self-efficacy related to principles of holistic wellness. Participants also completed a 1-month followup.


RESULTS
Participants who completed the program reported increases in general exercise activity, resistance training, and walking behavior, as well as self-efficacy and knowledge concerning principles of holistic wellness. The authors also observed decreases in participants' body fat and body mass.


CONCLUSIONS
Relevance to adherence of exercise behavior and a lifestyle approach to health are discussed. Future directions and limitations are highlighted.
Gieck
D Joseph
DJ
Health Education Department, University of Wyoming University Wellness Center, Wyoming, USA. jg@uwyo.edu
Olsen
Sara
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001823:Body Composition / Q000502:physiology; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020377:Self Efficacy; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology*; D014495:Universities