A health and human performance major invites individuals between the ages of 18 and 24 to participate in a summer research study that will compare the health benefits of a walking program to the health benefits gained from a vigorous exercise program.

The researcher, Kevin Hovde recently received a grant from the Young Scholars Program to fund his project that will take place from Friday, May 25, to Friday, July 27. He will work closely with faculty mentor Dr. Bridget Duoos, Health and Human Performance.

Participant requirements:

• Must be between the ages of 18 to 24 and currently exercising less than twice a week.
• Should live within driving distance of the UST St. Paul campus over the summer.
• Be willing to submit to some medical testing, including tests to determine blood pressure, heart rate, VO2 max (the maximum amount of oxygen that an individual can use during maximal exercise), and cholesterol levels.
• Begin an eight-week training program (either the walking or vigorous exercise).
• Exercise consistently throughout the eight weeks.

Benefits:

• Participants can improve their health by reducing the risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other chronic illnesses as well as improving fitness and even losing weight.
• Participants also will learn the basics of exercise such as how to: design an exercise routine, choose effective exercises, use exercise equipment properly, and employ the correct techniques for exercise.

This research project has been approved by the university’s Institutional Review Board.

The Young Scholars Program awards individual grants to undergraduate students at the University of St. Thomas who are interested in spending an entire summer working closely with a professor on a significant research project or creative activity. These grants are designed to give students the time and resources they need for meaningful reflection and in-depth inquiry into a problem or issue of interest both to them and their faculty mentor.

For more information email Hovde.