Max Brigance

Author: Max Brigance | Major: Exercise Science | Semester: Spring 2024

Hello, my name is Max Brigance, and I am an incoming senior at the College of Education and Health Professions, majoring in Exercise Science with a minor in Medical Humanities. My research mentor is Dr. Howie Hickey in the Health, Human Performance, & Recreation department at the University of Arkansas. I was fortunate to begin my research last semester thanks to the Honors College Research Grant. My future plans include attending Physician Assistant school upon graduation and practicing in Arkansas.

My research focuses on the factors influencing physical activity levels in undergraduate students. This is a critical issue globally, as the increasing prevalence of obesity and sedentary behavior among students and adults poses a major health risk. My goal with this project is to identify the main obstacles students face in achieving adequate physical activity and to develop solutions to overcome them. Successfully addressing these barriers could benefit campuses and communities worldwide, enhancing physical activity and, consequently, overall health.

I chose this topic because of my previous experience in Dr. Howie’s lab, where I researched the physical activity changes that graduate students experienced as they transitioned from undergraduate studies. Additionally, my upbringing in a gym environment—my father owns a health club in my hometown of Pocahontas, Arkansas—has shown me firsthand the benefits of physical activity on both physical and mental health. These combined experiences have fueled my passion for promoting active lifestyles and understanding the underlying challenges individuals face. Seeing the transformative power of regular exercise on well-being has motivated me to delve deeper into this area of research.

So far in my research, I have identified several predominant obstacles that interfere with students’ ability to reach their physical activity goals. Common issues include a lack of time in their schedules, insufficient intrinsic motivation, and the difficulty of balancing academic responsibilities with personal health goals. Additionally, the logistics of scheduling and interviewing participants have posed significant challenges, highlighting the complexity of conducting thorough and impactful research. These obstacles underline the importance of developing targeted interventions that can effectively address and mitigate these barriers.

Dr. Howie has been instrumental in my research process. It is reassuring to know that she is always just an email away whenever I have a question. Her extensive knowledge of the research process is invaluable, and I am grateful to learn from her. Kristin Garner, a graduate assistant and PhD student, has also been incredibly helpful. She has provided me with excellent guidance on becoming an effective motivational interviewer, which is crucial when working with individuals on their physical activity. Her support has been essential in developing the skills necessary to engage participants meaningfully and obtain valuable insights.

Looking ahead, I am eager to continue meeting with participants interested in enhancing their physical activity through physical assessments and motivational interviewing. Once this stage is complete, we will review the results to identify the influencing factors and develop strategies to overcome them. I hope this research can be utilized by the Exercise is Medicine-On Campus team and other researchers to combat the rising trends of obesity and sedentary behavior. If successful, this effort could significantly improve the physical and mental health of individuals, fostering healthier, more active communities. By analyzing our findings and working collaboratively with other health professionals, we can create a more informed and proactive approach to tackling these pervasive health issues.