Effect of Resistance Band Exercise on Body Composition, Physical Fitness and Health Promoting Behavior in Nursing Students

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of a resistance band training program on body composition, physical fitness, and health promotion behavior in nursing students. Method: This study has a one-group pretest-posttest design to examine the change in body composition, physical fitness, and health-promoting lifestyle profile after participation in the resistance band training program. Training consisted of hands-based exercises using an elastic resistance band for ten weeks. Participants performed the resistance band training two days per week with a sports trainer, and 30 minutes self-training three days per week. The participants were 21 freshmen in nursing. Results: Mean age of the participants was 20.9 years, and 61.9% were not satisfied with their body shape. After the training program, muscle mass, muscular endurance, and balance of the body were significantly improved. In health promoting lifestyle profile, categories of physical activity, health responsibility, and stress management showed a significant increase. Conclusion: Results of this study suggested that exercising with a resistance band improved body composition, physical fitness, and health promoting behavior in the nursing students. We propose that resistance band training should be suitable for those who have the environment with limitation of time and space.