INVESTIGATION OF UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN STUDENTS KNOWLEDGE AND PARTICIPATION IN AEROBIC FITNESS PROGRAMME
ABSTRACT
This study investigated the University of Ilorin students knowledge and participation in aerobic fitness programmes which was carried out in the University of Ilorin. Survey research design was used while eight (8) faculties were purposely sampled. One hundred and fifty (150) respondents were randomly selected from the student of University of Ilorin in each faculty. The instrument used was questionnaire for data collection. The frequency count sample percentage and chi-square (x2) at 0.05 level of significance were used for data analysis. It was found that University of Ilorin students have adequate knowledge of aerobic fitness and significantly participate in aerobic exercise. Furthermore, significant difference was found among faculties in the level of knowledge and participation in the aerobic fitness programme. Therefore, this study recommend, that the school authority should encourage students to participate more in aerobic exercise and also provide adequate sport equipments and facilities which will increase the interest of student to participate more in aerobic exercise and which will in turn enhance the fitness and health of the students to withstand academic stress and sedentary life diseases.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page i

Certification  ii

Dedication iii

Acknowledgement iv

Table of Contents vi

Abstract viii

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study 1

Statement of the Problem 4

Purpose of the Study 4

Research Questions 5

Research Hypotheses 5

Significance of the Study 5

Scope and Delimitation of the Study 6

Operational Definition of Terms 7

CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Meaning and Significance of Aerobic Fitness 8

Meaning of Aerobic Exercise 12

Types of Aerobic Exercise 13

Component of Aerobic Fitness and Impact of Aerobic Exercise   15

Variation of Exercise with Difference Intensity of Component

of Aerobic Fitness 20

General Benefits of Aerobic Fitness 23

Why we need to know more about aerobic fitness         24

Tips for bringing aerobics safely into your daily life 25

Aerobic fitness testing 27

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design 29

Population Sample 30

Sample and Sampling Technique 30

Research Instrument 31

Procedure for Data Collection 32

Validity of the Instrument  32

Data Analysis Techniques  33

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA ANALYSIS AND RESULTS         34

Summary of Findings 42

Discussion of Results 42

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

Summary 47

Conclusion 47

Recommendation 48

Suggestions for Further Studies 49

References 50

Appendix  53
CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Cardio-respiratory fitness otherwise known as aerobic fitness is considered a health related fitness component that indicates the capabilities of cardio-respiratory and vascular systems in providing oxygen during continuous physical activities. Blair & Jackson, (1995).
They further pointed out that mortality risks and morbidity risks of chronical-degenerative disease which are systemic high blood pressure, coronary artery disease among others have been associated to low cardio-respiratory fitness and physical activity.

According to Lindstedt, Wells and Jones, (1988) cardio-respiratory fitness otherwise known as aerobic fitness is endurance fitness which is the ability of the body to perform prolonged periods of aerobic work. In aerobic, the oxygen obtained from the air is used for the combustion of fat and carbohydrates creating the necessary to perform the work.
 Simsek, (2005) obtained his findings and outlines that despite the youth natural tendencies, they have become less physically active in recent decades and subsequently 10 percent of the worlds school aged youth are estimated to be not aerobically fit and were carrying excess body fat. Heart disease, obesity and cancer among others are common problems among youth and lacks of daily physical activities have been resulted to several other diseases in youth with genetic disposition. However, researcher concurred that, to prevent these pandemic disease among the youth, physical activity of youth should be increased.

Christodoulous, (2006) and Sallis, (1997) reported that in previous studies, result showed that youth were always active during their leisure
hour but watching television for up to one-third (1/3) of their working day, participating in less physical activities take precedence and thereby giving rise to disconcerting that our new generation of youth are becoming progressive overweight and are not aerobically fit.

According to Cable, (2006) there must be a health related physical education programme for students because most of them have no knowledge of aerobic fitness which will increase their cardiac capacity by engaging in physical activities during their leisure hour. He further report that, the recent health guidelines suggest that youth should accumulate 60 minutes of moderate intensity in physical activity everyday, supplemented by regular activities that promote strength, flexibility and to be aerobically fit.

Therefore, students needs to regularly participate in aerobic exercise programme so that individual will improves all round i.e. mentally, physically and so on. Aerobic exercise is the bases of all the activities of the societies, it gives an individual the opportunity to make full and fruitful use of his or her capabilities and this can be achieved through different activities like jogging, walking, swimming, running etc. There is considerable evidence that when one engages in physical activities properly, it can significantly improve the aerobic fitness status of an individual. Individuals irrespective of sex, age requires certain optimum level of aerobic activities.

According to Nazario, (2006) aerobic endurance intends to improve the oxygen system in the body through participation in a vigorous activity for a long period of time. He further report that, aerobic exercise is non-toxic, non-drug adjunct therapy to improve the immune status in individual. He added that, a fit individual among others have adequate aerobic capacity
 
and physical strength to engage in daily physical activities without experiencing tiredness.

In conclusion, aerobic fitness programme give all-round development in-terms of physical, mental and social well-being as stated by Cable, (2006).

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

This project investigates the University of Ilorin students knowledge and participation in aerobic fitness programme.

The assertion by all youths that failure to engage in aerobic exercise programme has no effect on their well-being. Many youth did not have the knowledge of aerobic fitness, the benefit and how it can be practiced.

However, researchers concurred that to prevent the youth from several diseases, participation in physical activities is a necessity in order to eradicate cardio-respiratory disease among others which are common among students.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

This study investigates the University of Ilorin students knowledge and participation in aerobic fitness programmes.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS


The following questions were formulated and answered in this study;


(i)    Do University of Ilorin students have knowledge of aerobic fitness?

(ii)    Do University of Ilorin students participate in aerobic exercise?

(iii)    Is there any difference among faculty students in the level of

knowledge and involvement in aerobic exercise?

RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

The following null hypothesis (Ho) were formulated and tested in this

study.

1)    University of Ilorin students have no adequate knowledge of aerobic fitness.
 
2)    University of Ilorin students do not participate significantly in aerobic fitness.

3)    There is no significant difference among faculties in the level of

knowledge and involvement in aerobic exercise.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
Some of the major findings of this research work would be of

particular significance. It is expected that the outcome of this study would;


1)    Provide information that would stimulate University of Ilorin students to participate in exercise.

2)    Contribute to existing body of knowledge in exercise physiology. The knowledge acquired from the aerobic fitness of University of

Ilorin students will also enlighten the school authority in developing programmes that will contribute to the total health growth and development of students in our various schools. These can be achieved through motivation and the provision of leisure time activities in active games, sports and dancing.

SCOPE AND DELIMITATION OF THE STUDY
 
This study was carried out in the University of Ilorin campus. It was limited to eight (8) different faculties.

The followings are the faculties:-


1)    Computer and Information Science

2)    Art

3)    Engineering

4)    Accounting, Business and Social Science

5)    Education

6)    Law

7)    Agriculture

8)    Science

OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS


For the purpose of clarity, the key terms and variables in this study were operationally defined as follows;

(1)    Cardio-Respiratory Endurance: It is the ability of an individual to consume great qualities of oxygen in a physically strenuous situation. i.e. maximum oxygen consumptions. This ability sets the limit of the individuals physical working capacity (PW).
 
(2)    Aerobic Exercise: This refers to exercise that use oxygen for improving the heart and lungs to promote aerobic fitness.

(3)    Low Intensity: This refers to exercise at 45% of heart rate reserved at moderate intensity.

(4)    Moderate Intensity: This refers to exercise at 55% of heart rate reserved at low intensity.

(5)    High Intensity: This refers to exercise at 65% of heart rate reserved at high intensity.

(6)    Aerobic Fitness: It is the endurance fitness and it is the ability to perform prolonged periods of aerobic work in the presence of oxygen.