Abstract:
Topic:
Analysis of adults Perception regarding awareness, Fitness & Trends of
Physical Exercise in our Society
Pages: 101
Researcher: Muhammad Ayaz
Supervisor: Professor Dr Abdur Rehman
Subject Area: Physical Education
University: Gomal University Dera Ismail Khan (Pakistan)
Year: 2009
Degree: Ph.D in Education
Physical exercise activities are paramount to maintain fitness and avert risks of
diseases, illnesses, fatigue and other body problems by regularizing body functions and
sustain over all well being. Before going for an exercise plan, awareness of physical
activities and their role in chalking out fitness are inevitable to follow certain trend. A
study was designed to assess the level of awareness regarding different exercise activities
among four groups vis-à-vis doctors, lawyers, teachers and businessmen at Dera Ismail
Khan district of Pakistan. Systematic sampling technique was implied from a well
constructed sampling frame to select a total of 50 respondents from each group totaling
200. A survey strategy was used to administer questionnaire using five point Likert scale
from surveyed population by face to face interaction.
Results regarding perceptions of the awareness of exercise activities revealed that
all the four groups are equal in their awareness of various activities (Jogging, sports,
walking, swimming, morning activities, heath club activities, maintenance of health and
nervous system stability) except participation in re-creative activities. The groups were
also aware of the benefits of exercise that can make human look best. The level of
awareness was not determined by Body Mass Index (low or high) or age (young, medium
ivand old) of the respondents. With reference to understand perceptions about the role of
fitness resulting physical exercise, results showed that majority of the respondents are
aware that physical fitness can improve health (shedding extra weight and lower blood
pressure and risk of health diseases), improve working efficiency (withstand fatigue and
increase work capacity) and improve overall wellness (smart look and well being) of
individual.
Perception of trends regarding physical exercise was divided into five categories
namely health oriented trends, self appearance trends, light exercise trends, moderate to
hard exercise trends and non exercise trends. There exists a mix of following a specific
exercise trend among sampled community. Significant differences were observed among
groups in respect of perceptions denoting “playing games to safeguard/ avert health
problems”, “force to engage in physical exercise due to shape in figure”, “playing games
that do not involve physical exertion”, “play games that involve lots of physical exertion”
and “control over diet to maintain fitness”. The findings also discussed probable reasons
for opting for non-exercise trends.
The research concluded with the notion that perception of awareness, fitness and
trend will be helpful in designing persuasive strategies based on salient perceptions of the
surveyed population for better follow up of exercise activities suitable to needs. The
research also advanced recommendation and proposes suggestions for further research.