Physical activity participation and constraints among athletic training students

Researchers have examined the physical activity (PA) habits of certified athletic trainers; however, none have looked specifically at athletic training students.

To assess PA participation and constraints to participation among athletic training students.

Cross-sectional study.

Entry-level athletic training education programs (undergraduate and graduate) across the United States.

Participants were 1125 entry-level athletic training students.

Self-reported PA participation, including a calculated PA index based on a typical week. Leisure constraints and demographic data were also collected.

Only 22.8% (252/1105) of athletic training students were meeting the American College of Sports Medicine recommendations for PA through moderate-intensity cardiorespiratory exercise. Although 52.3% (580/1105) were meeting the recommendations through vigorous-intensity cardiorespiratory exercise, 60.5% (681/1125) were meeting the recommendations based on the combined total of moderate or vigorous cardiorespiratory exercise. In addition, 57.2% (643/1125) of respondents met the recommendations for resistance exercise. Exercise habits of athletic training students appear to be better than the national average and similar to those of practicing athletic trainers. Students reported structural constraints such as lack of time due to work or studies as the most significant barrier to exercise participation.

Athletic training students experienced similar constraints to PA participation as practicing athletic trainers, and these constraints appeared to influence their exercise participation during their entry-level education. Athletic training students may benefit from a greater emphasis on work-life balance during their entry-level education to promote better health and fitness habits.