Date Approved
2009
Degree Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department or School
Health Promotion and Human Performance
Committee Member
Christine Karshin, PhD, Chair
Committee Member
Joan Cowdery, PhD
Abstract
Obesity and physical inactivity are on the rise in our society today. Combined with poor eating habits, many Americans are overweight or obese. Churches have become important settings for providing health education programs, especially for African-American populations. There have been mixed results from faith-based physical activity studies, and few have been conducted with Caucasian populations. The present study used the Walk to Jerusalem program as a motivational tool within a Caucasian faith-based setting. The objectives were to increase physical activity, decrease blood pressure and weight, if needed, and improve attitude toward physical activity. The primary objective of the project was achieved as the results showed a significant increase in level of physical activity from pre to post-program. There were no significant differences in weight or blood pressure. Faith-based settings can be useful for proving health promotion and education programs, especially for those lacking access to health care, but more long-term studies are needed.
Recommended Citation
Schmidt, Lisa, "Walk to Jerusalem: Facilitating physical activity in a faith community" (2009). Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations. 264.
https://commons.emich.edu/theses/264