Short Term Effect Of Home Based Exercises On Sedentary Activity Level And Anthropometric Measures In Young Adults- A Pre And Post Experimental Design

ABSTRACT Background: Sedentary lifestyle and physical inactivity are global public health concerns contributing to obesity and other lifestyle disorders. Home-based exercise programs may offer a feasible solution. The aim of this study is to establish the short-termeffect of Home-based exercise program on Physical activity level and Sedentary Behaviour pattern in young adults. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the Short-Term Effect of Home-Based Exercises on Sedentary Activity Level and Anthropometric Measures in Young Adults. Materials and Methodology: A pre-post experimental study was conducted on 20 young adults (aged 18–25). Participants followed a 2-week home-based program combining aerobic and resistance exercises. The Anthropometric measurements assessed were Body Mass Index (BMI) and Waist Hip Ratio (WHR). Sedentary behaviour was assessed usingthe Sedentary Behaviour Questionnaire (SBQ). Data were analysed using SPSS v30 with paired t-tests andWilcoxon signed-rank tests where appropriate. Results and Discussion: The SBQ scores showed significant improvement post-intervention (p < 0.001). No significant changes were found in BMI (SE= 14.147, p = 0.396) and WHR (SE=0.500, p = 0.317). Despite no statistically significant changes in BMI and WHR during the short intervention, the study effectively demonstrated notable improvements in sedentary behavior via SBQ (Mean=6.59, SD=3.42). Thus, this study suggests that short- term behavioral changes can effectively serve as catalysts for achieving broader health benefits, underscoring the critical need to incorporate sedentary behavior assessments into public health initiatives. Conclusion: Short-term home-based exercises effectively reduce sedentary behavior in young adults but do not significantly affect BMI or WHR over two weeks. Future long-term studies are recommended. Keywords: BMI,Home-based exercise, Physical activity, Sedentary behavior, WHR