The purpose of this study was to describe the relationships between Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) variables and frequency of moderate-vigorous physical activity in a sample of high school students. Days of moderate and vigorous physical activity were assessed using a previously validated one-day recall instrument administered on seven consecutive days. The SCT variables tested were: self-regulation, social situation, social outcome expectations, physical appearance outcome expectations, general health outcome expectations, negative outcome expectations, self-efficacy for ability, and self-efficacy for barriers. The SCT variables studied are potentially modifiable via educational interventions. Results revealed that 15 % of the subjects reported 3 or more days of physical activity. Four of the SCT were retained in the regression model accounting for 31 % of the variance in days or moderate-vigorous physical activity. SCT is useful for understanding frequency of moderate-vigorous physical activity among adolescents.

Law enforcement can be a physically and mentally demanding occupation. It is well known that health and fitness is highly related to job performance, career longevity and safety. There is insufficient research on the development of higher education-based coursework in criminal justice programs that emphasize the development of healthful behavior patterns and physical fitness. The purpose of this study was to determine if successful completion of a 14-week health education and fitness training course would increase participants’ physical fitness and capabilities to perform essential physical fitness tasks needed for a career in law enforcement. Fifty-one college students participated in a health promotion program that included multiple components of wellness such as physical fitness, exercise principles, healthy eating behaviors, goal setting and stress management. Results indicated that a college-based health promotion course can successfully prepare physically fit and police academy-ready criminal justice graduates that have an educational foundation in healthy lifestyle.

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