An Examination of Campus Recreation Usage, Academic Performance, and Selected Health Indices of College Freshmen

Abstract

Cross-sectional research shows that campus recreation (CR) facility use is related to higher grade point averages (GPA) and favorable health indices. Further research is needed to address whether the relationships are caused by greater use of CR facilities or the accommodation of existing behaviors valued by students with higher GPA and favorable health indices. Thus, 179 first year student's GPA, body mass index (BMI), television (TV) viewing, physical activity (IPAQ), and nutrient intakes were compared between those who increased CR visits (by ≥ 1 day/wk), and those who decreased CR visits (by ≥ 1 day/wk) between fall and spring semesters. No significant ( p < .05) differences were found between the groups for GPA, BMI, TV time, IPAQ scores, or nutrient intakes. Though these data indicate that GPA and health indices are minimally impacted by an increase or decrease in CR use, they suggest that students with higher GPA and favorable health indices are more likely to use CR facilities.