Hsin-Yi Liu^1,, Mark Langley¹

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among African Americans while compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Sixty-three African American college students were recruited from North Carolina Central University (NCCU), a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). All students participated in an eight-week fitness course designed and led by a certified fitness instructor at NCCU. This study assessed the effectiveness of this eight-week fitness program (NCCU Active8 Program) to improve cardiovascular fitness, muscular endurance, and reduce the CVD risk factors including blood pressure, BMI, and body fat percentage (BF%). Pre- and post-measurements were compared with a paired-t test at significant level of p= 0.05. Students’ health behaviors, such as alcohol, tobacco, and vegetable consumptions, and activity level were also assessed with a modified Young Adult Health Behavior Questionnaire. Our results showed that there were significant changes in their blood pressure, BMI, muscular endurance, and cardiovascular fitness after completing the program. However, we did not see significant change in their BF% or health behaviors. Therefore, this 8-week fitness program was effective in reducing several CVD risk factors and improving muscular fitness.

Body Composition, Muscle Fitness, African Americans, Cardiovascular Disease, Obesity