Pre-and-In-Class Practical Lesson Habits of Selected University Physical Education Students in Ghana: Implications for Health and Physical Education

Abstract

Habits formed during schooling are probably the strongest that influence individuals throughout life. It is always the intention of curriculum planners that, habits formed by students as a result of schooling be positive to promote healthy lifestyle in the future. However, nothing is documented on the pre-practical physical activity habits of physical education (PE) students in universities in Ghana. The paper focused on common physical activity behaviours exhibited and the food products consumed by the students prior to and during PE practical lessons. We conveniently sampled 112 level 100-300 University of Cape Coast PE students during the 2012/2013 academic year. We developed a questionnaire to gather data for this study. We found that only 24% (n=27) of the students practice three times and over, the techniques taught in class before the next class. Also, 36% (n=40) of the students reported not using appropriate protective gears during practical classes. Beside, 35% (n=39) of the students would not do post-activity stretching without lecturers’ supervision. Of the products consumed, 9% (n=10) and 6% (n=7) take energy drinks prior to and during PE classes, respectively. Other 2% (n=2) take in alcoholic beverages before classes. However, 30% (33) consume nothing prior to morning practical lessons. Many university PE students in Ghana engage in many unhealthy habits that need attention. This paper discusses how this new knowledge can assist professionals in Health and PE to moderate the habits acquired and practiced by students while at school.

Key Words: Pre-practical activity, pre-practical food consumption, physical education, physical activity habits.