LEXINGTON, Va. Oct. 23, 2024 — How does the Virginia Military Institute cadet experience influence lifetime exercise behaviors? How do those behaviors compare to those of undergraduates who attended a more traditional, non-military college like Washington and Lee University (W&L)?

A new research study comparing the exercise habits between four populations: VMI cadets, VMI alumni, W&L students, and W&L alumni, both in the short- and long-term, is being conducted by Maj. Katherine Baur, assistant professor in the Department of Human Performance and Wellness at VMI.

Given that the two colleges are located side-by-side in a small geographic area, have similar demographics but distinctly different cultures, Baur believes it would be an interesting comparison, and is recruiting both VMI and W&L alumni to participate.

“College years represent a key period of personal growth with lifestyle changes that often carry into adulthood. While a lot of research has considered physical activity behaviors in college students, almost no research has looked at differences between specific college populations like senior military college cadets. Having a better understanding of physical activity behaviors and influences at these different life stages, and in these unique college populations, helps us as professionals to tailor interventions that promote exercise and overall well-being,” she explained.

Alumni of VMI and W&L may participate voluntarily and anonymously in the study by completing a brief, 15- to 20-minute one-time survey. Questions include general demographic information, physical activity history, motives, beliefs and influences, and general health. At the end of the survey, there is a separate link for participants to enter a raffle for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card. A total of 200 to 800 participants — 50 to 200 from each of the four mentioned populations — will be recruited for the study. For each subgroup, 10 participants will be randomly selected to win. Gift cards will be disbursed one month after the last recruitment efforts are made in each subgroup, on or before Dec. 2, 2024.

More information and a link to the survey may be found at here.

Marianne Hause
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE