Effectiveness of the ACE Mover Method in Modifying Physical and Mental Health Behavior in College-Aged Students

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the ACE Mover Method philosophy at positively modifying healthy lifestyle behaviors in college-aged students. It was hypothesized that the ACE Mover Method philosophy would elicit favorable, healthy lifestyle changes during the intervention in college-aged students. Methods: 47 college-aged students (age=18-29) and 1 non-traditional student (age=54) of Western Colorado University completed an eight-week intervention of health coach led-weekly meetings based on the ACE Mover Method. Physical and mental health outcomes were measured through questionnaires and in-person testing at baseline, mid-program, and post-program. Results:  22 out of 26 physical and mental health outcomes either positively transitioned or maintained the desired outcome from baseline to post-program. Although little statistical significance (p > 0.05) was found, the transitions held clinical and practical significance. Participants successfully adapted positive behavior change practices as shown through the decrease in both total barriers faced and need for external accountability. Three individual responses were analyzed, highlighting the Mover Method’s flexibility to work with a variety of students. Discussion: The data supports the hypothesis, showing effectiveness of the ACE Mover Method in modifying college-aged students’ behaviors. The length of the present study may have led to a lack of significant differences, yet the individualized approach to the Mover Method meetings potentially explains the improvements in physical and mental health outcomes and the behavior change improvements. Conclusion: The Mover Method serves as an avenue to elicit positive changes in college-aged students and should be considered in university programming and in any health professional-client relationship.