Body composition changes among college students enrolled in activity classes

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare body composition changes of students enrolled in university activity courses relative to students not enrolled in these courses. Control group (N.=8) was not enrolled in any activity classes. Intervention group (N.=10) was enrolled in a singular activity course.METHODS: Height, weight, blood pressure, waist and hip circumferences, and body composition (Inbody 570 bioelectrical impedance) were measured within the first two weeks of the academic semester (baseline) and final two weeks of the semester (post). Differential changes in body composition measures were assessed via multivariable linear regression. All models were adjusted for age, sex, group, and baseline trait (i.e., body fat change adjusted for baseline body fat).RESULTS: Intervention group was independently associated with changes in systolic blood pressure, weight, percent body fat, trunk fat mass, and overall body fat.CONCLUSIONS: College students enrolled university activity courses may experience significant beneficial body composition as well as blood pressure changes.