scholarly journals Feasibility of a Culturally Tailored Smartphone-delivered Physical Activity Intervention among Midlife African American Women (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodney P Joseph ◽  
Barbara E Ainsworth ◽  
Kevin Hollingshead ◽  
Michael Todd ◽  
Colleen Keller
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
African American ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Discussion Board ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Culturally Tailored ◽  
Increased Risk

BACKGROUND Performing regular aerobic physical activity (PA) is an important component for healthy aging. Yet, only 27-40% of African American (AA) women achieve national PA guidelines. Available data also show clear decline in PA as AA women transition from young adulthood (i.e., 25-44 years) into midlife. This decline of PA among during midlife coincides with increased risk for AA women developing cardiometabolic disease conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Thus, effective efforts are needed to promote PA among sedentary AA women during midlife. OBJECTIVE To examine the acceptability and feasibility of a culturally tailored, smartphone-delivered PA intervention, originally developed to increase PA among AA women aged 24-49, among a slightly older sample of midlife AA women aged 50-65. METHODS A single-arm pre-posttest study design was implemented. Twenty insufficiently active AA (i.e., >60 minutes/week of PA) women between the ages of 50 and 65 years participated in the 4-month feasibility trial. The intervention, entitled Smart Walk, was delivered through the study Smart Walk smartphone application and text messages. Features available on the Smart Walk app include: personal profile pages, multi-media PA promotion modules, discussion board forums, and an activity tracking feature that integrates with Fitbit activity monitors. Self-reported PA and Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) mediators targeted by the intervention (i.e., self-regulation, behavioral capability, outcome expectations, self-efficacy, social support) were assessed at baseline and 4-months. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed using a post-intervention intervention satisfaction survey that included multiple choice and open-ended questions evaluating participant perceptions of the intervention and suggestions for intervention improvement. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to examine pre-post intervention changes in PA and SCT variables. Effect size estimates were calculated using the Pearson r test statistic. RESULTS Participants increased in moderate-to-vigorous PA (median 30 minutes/week increase, r =1.0, p=.002) and reported improvements in two theoretical mediators (self-regulation, r=.397, p=.012; behavioral capability, r=.440, p=.006). Nearly all participants (93%) indicated they would recommend intervention to a friend. Participant suggestions for improving the intervention included enhancing the intervention’s provisions of social support for PA. CONCLUSIONS Results provide preliminary support for feasibility of the smartphone-based approach to increase PA among middle-aged AA women. However, prior to larger scale implementation among midlife AA women, enhancements to the social support components of the intervention are warranted.

scholarly journals Results of a Culturally Tailored Smartphone-Delivered Physical Activity Intervention Among Midlife African American Women: Feasibility Trial

10.2196/27383 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. e27383
Author(s):  
Rodney P Joseph ◽  
Barbara E Ainsworth ◽  
Kevin Hollingshead ◽  
Michael Todd ◽  
Colleen Keller
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
African American ◽  
African American Women ◽  
Social Cognitive ◽  
Cognitive Theory ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Satisfaction Survey ◽  
American Women ◽  
Culturally Tailored

Background Regular aerobic physical activity (PA) is an important component of healthy aging. However, only 27%-40% of African American women achieve national PA guidelines. Available data also show a clear decline in PA as African American women transition from young adulthood (ie, 25-44 years) into midlife. This decline in PA during midlife coincides with an increased risk for African American women developing cardiometabolic disease conditions, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Thus, effective efforts are needed to promote PA among sedentary African American women during midlife. Objective This study aims to examine the acceptability and feasibility of a culturally tailored, smartphone-delivered PA intervention, originally developed to increase PA among African American women aged 24-49 years, among a slightly older sample of midlife African American women aged 50-65 years. Methods A single-arm pretest-posttest study design was implemented. In total, 20 insufficiently active African American (ie, ≤60 min per week of PA) women between the ages of 50-65 years participated in the 4-month feasibility trial. The Smart Walk intervention was delivered through the study Smart Walk smartphone app and text messages. Features available on the Smart Walk app include personal profile pages, multimedia PA promotion modules, discussion board forums, and an activity tracking feature that integrates with Fitbit activity monitors. Self-reported PA and social cognitive theory mediators targeted by the intervention (ie, self-regulation, behavioral capability, outcome expectations, self-efficacy, and social support) were assessed at baseline and at 4 months. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed using a postintervention satisfaction survey that included multiple-choice and open-ended questions evaluating participant perceptions of the intervention and suggestions for intervention improvement. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to examine pre- and postintervention changes in the PA and social cognitive theory variables. The effect size estimates were calculated using the Pearson r test statistic. Results Participants increased moderate-to-vigorous PA (median 30 minutes per week increase; r=0.503; P=.002) and reported improvements in 2 theoretical mediators (self-regulation: r=0.397; P=.01; behavioral capability: r=0.440; P=.006). Nearly all participants (14/15, 93% completing the satisfaction survey) indicated that they would recommend the intervention to a friend. Participants’ suggestions for improving the intervention included enhancing the intervention’s provisions of social support for PA. Conclusions The results provide preliminary support for the feasibility of the smartphone-based approach to increase PA among midlife African American women. However, before larger-scale implementation among midlife African American women, enhancements to the social support components of the intervention are warranted. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04073355; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04073355

Adding family digital supports to classroom-based physical activity interventions to target in- and out-of-school activity: An evaluation of the Stay Active intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (4) ◽  
pp. 214-228
Author(s):  
Bethany Forseth ◽  
Adrian Ortega ◽  
Paul Hibbing ◽  
Mallory Moon ◽  
Chelsea Steel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Evaluation Study ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Physical Activity Interventions ◽  
High Satisfaction ◽  
Family Based

Introduction: Interventions targeting multiple levels of influence and settings may have a greater impact on children’s total daily physical activity than those targeting a single setting. This study evaluated the addition of family supports to a classroom-based physical activity intervention. Methods: 6 schools were randomized to a remotely delivered classroom-based physical activity only (CBPA) or classroom-based physical activity plus family (CBPA+) arm. The latter added behavior change tools (e.g., self-regulation) delivered via text messages and newsletters to caregiver/child dyads. The intervention lasted for 7 weeks with a 1-week baseline and 1-week post-intervention assessment (9 weeks total). Children who enrolled in the evaluation study received a Garmin activity monitor, which was used to tailor the text messages and evaluate changes in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Caregivers completed surveys evaluating intervention acceptability. Results: The 53 child participants (CBPA n=35; CBPA+ n=18) were 9.7±0.7 years old, 64% were female, 59% were Black, and 23% were Hispanic/Latinx. Almost 90% of caregivers reported high satisfaction with the added family-based intervention content. Adherence to wearing the Garmin was higher in the CBPA+ arm. MVPA was low at baseline and during the first 3 weeks of the intervention (CBPA 7.5±3.1 minutes/day; CBPA+ 7.9±2.7 minutes/day) and increased by ~45 min/day by weeks 6-8 (CBPA 56.8±34.2 minutes/day; CBPA+ 49.2±18.7minutes/day). Changes in MVPA were similar between arms. Conclusion: The high acceptability and intervention engagement in the CBPA+ arm show promise for integrating mHealth tools to provide additional family support in multilevel multiapproach interventions targeting children’s physical activity.

A Church-based Culturally Sensitive Physical Activity Intervention in African American Women

2020 ◽  
pp. 019394592096140
Author(s):  
Elicia S. Collins ◽  
Susan W. Buchholz ◽  
Joan Cranford ◽  
Megan A. McCrory
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
African American ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
African American Women ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Culturally Sensitive ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
American Women ◽  
Study Results

The purpose of this pilot study was to test a church-based, culturally sensitive, six-week intervention called GET FIT DON’T QUIT. The intervention aimed to increase knowledge and change beliefs about physical activity, and to improve social facilitation to increase self-regulation, in order to promote physical activity in African-American women. A two-group pretest/posttest, quasi-experimental design was conducted in a convenience sample ( N = 37) of African-American women. Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group by church affiliation. The six-week intervention consisted of teaching and roundtable discussions, and email reminders to be physically active. There were significant differences ( p < .05) in the level of self-efficacy, self-regulation, and friend social support. There were no significant differences in knowledge of physical activity guidelines, beliefs, and family social support. These pilot study results suggested that multiple factors are associated with physical activity engagement in African-American women.

scholarly journals Examining Potential Psychosocial Mediators in a Physical Activity Intervention for Older Adults

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (8) ◽  
pp. 581-592
Author(s):  
Siobhan K McMahon ◽  
Beth Lewis ◽  
J Michael Oakes ◽  
Jean F Wyman ◽  
Weihua Guan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Social Support ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Goal Attainment ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Clinical Trial Registry ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Intervention Effects ◽  
Psychosocial Mediators

The purpose of this study was to examine psychosocial constructs targeted as potential mediators in a prior physical activity (PA) intervention study. This secondary analysis used data from 102 older adults randomized to one of four conditions—within a 2 (Interpersonal Strategies: yes, no) x 2 (Intrapersonal Strategies: yes, no) factorial design. We tested intervention effects on social support, self-efficacy, self-regulation, and goal attainment, and whether these constructs mediated intervention effects on PA. Participants who received interventions with interpersonal strategies, compared to those who did not, increased their readiness (post-intervention), the self-regulation subscale of self-assessment, and goal attainment (post-intervention, 6-months). Participants who received interventions with intrapersonal strategies, compared to those who did not, increased their social support from family (post-intervention). There was no statistically significant mediation. To understand mechanisms through which interventions increase older adults’ PA and to improve intervention effectiveness, researchers should continue to examine potential psychosocial mediators. Clinical Trial Registry: NCT02433249.

scholarly journals Feasibility of promoting physical activity using mHEALTH technology in rural women: the step-2-it study

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Manorama M. Khare ◽  
Kristine Zimmermann ◽  
Rebecca Lyons ◽  
Cara Locklin ◽  
Ben S. Gerber
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Rural Women ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Motivational Messages ◽  
Walking Intervention ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Engagement Interventions ◽  
Highly Correlated

Abstract Background Rural women are more likely to be obese and have a higher risk for chronic disease than their non-rural counterparts. Inadequate physical activity (PA) at least in part contributes to this increased risk. Rural women face personal, social and environmental barriers to PA engagement. Interventions promoting walking among rural women have demonstrated success; however, few of these studies use text messaging to promote PA. Methods Step-2-It was a pilot study to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of text-messaging combined with a pedometer to promote PA, specifically walking among English-speaking women, aged 40 and older, living in a rural, northwest Illinois county. Enrolled participants completed baseline assessments, received pedometers and two types of automated text messages: motivational messages to encourage walking, and accountability messages to report pedometer steps. Participants engaged in 3, 6, 9, and 12-week follow-ups to download pedometer data, and completed post-intervention assessments at 12 weeks. Results Of the 44 enrolled participants, 35 participants (79.5%) completed the intervention. Among completers, the proportion meeting PA guidelines increased from 31.4% (11/35) at baseline to 48.6% (17/35) at post-intervention, those with no PA decreased from 20% (7/35) to 17.1% (6/35). During weeks 1-12, when participants received motivational text messages, average participant daily step count was 5926 ± 3590, and remained stable during the intervention. Pedometer readings were highly correlated with self-reported steps (r = 0.9703; p < 0.001). Conclusion Step-2-It was a feasible and acceptable walking intervention for older rural women. Technology, including text messaging, should be investigated further as an enhancement to interventions for rural women. Trial Registration on Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04812756, registered on March 22, 2021

scholarly journals Feasibility and acceptability of a culturally tailored physical activity intervention for Arab-Australian women

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aymen El Masri ◽  
Gregory S. Kolt ◽  
Emma S. George
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Activity Intervention ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Trial Registration ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Physical Activity Interventions ◽  
Culturally Tailored ◽  
Session Attendance ◽  
Australian Community

Abstract Background Despite being one of the largest migrant groups in Australia, few physical activity interventions exist for Arab-Australians. The primary aim of this study was to test the feasibility and acceptability of a 12-week culturally tailored physical activity intervention for Arab-Australian women. Methods This study used a single-group pretest–posttest design, and was informed by extensive formative research and consultation involving the Arab-Australian community. Participants were insufficiently active Arab-Australian women aged 35–64 with no current illness or injury that would limit physical activity participation. The intervention comprised 6 face-to-face physical activity and education sessions over 12 weeks. The intervention was conducted at 2 separate intervention sites in Western Sydney, Australia. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment, session attendance, and retention. The acceptability of the intervention was assessed through a process evaluation questionnaire completed post-intervention. Accelerometers and the short-form International Physical Activity Questionnaire were used to measure physical activity at baseline and post-intervention. Descriptive statistics were used for feasibility and acceptability outcomes, and changes in physical activity were examined using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results Of the 53 women who were contacted or expressed interest, 22 were eligible and enrolled in the study. Participants were primarily recruited through direct contact by Arab-Australian community workers and by word-of-mouth. Average session attendance was 63% and the retention rate post-intervention was 68%. The culturally-related intervention components, such as the appropriateness of content, and women-only setting, were rated highly favourably (4.33 to 4.87/5). General intervention elements, such as the face-to-face delivery, knowledge and approachability of facilitators, and session structure, were also rated favourably (4.33 to 4.93/5), and the lowest scored item was the intervention session frequency (3.2/5). There were no statistically significant changes in physical activity post-intervention. Conclusions The findings from this study highlighted factors related to recruitment and delivery that need to be considered when developing physical activity interventions for Arab-Australian women. Further research is required using a larger sample and a randomised controlled trial design to examine the longer-term impact on physical activity, and to also examine ways of increasing intervention engagement and retention among Arab-Australian women. Trial Registration: ANZCTR, ACTRN12618001392257. Registered 20 August 2018, https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=375636.

scholarly journals Parental Participation in a Healthy Lifestyle Program for Middle Schoolers Improves Their Family Meal Patterns and Social Support and Self-Regulation for Healthy Eating (P16-041-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Henna Muzaffar ◽  
Cassandra Nikolaus ◽  
Sharon Nickols-Richardson
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Self Regulation ◽  
Parental Participation ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Meal Patterns ◽  
Family Meal ◽  
Lifestyle Program ◽  
Post Assessment ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle Program

Abstract Objectives The development and dissemination of appropriate integrated curricula for parents represent a critical need and a novel approach in the obesity prevention field. Our objective was to assess if parental participation in a healthy lifestyle program (PAWS [Peer-education About Weight Steadiness] Club) for middle school students would improve parental anthropometrics, social cognitive theory (SCT) mediators of dietary behavior, and family mealtime frequency and environment. Methods A total of 42 parents participated in five weekly 1.5-hour sessions, delivered four times from 2015–2017. The sessions were led by a trained research assistant; focused on family fitness, meal planning, family mealtimes, label reading, energy balance, making healthy choices and simple recipes, self-reflection and goal setting. Data on anthropometrics, blood pressure (BP), SCT mediators (social/family support, self-efficacy, self-regulation, and outcome expectations) of eating, and family meal patterns (frequency and environment) was collected from the parents at pre-and post-intervention. Wilcoxon Signed Rank test was used to determine any changes from baseline to post assessment for SCT mediators of dietary behavior and family meal patterns. Paired t-test was used to determine any changes from pre-to post-intervention for anthropometric and BP measurements. Significance was set at P < 0.05. Results Of the 42 participants, 67% were females (mothers); 33% self-reported White and 33% self-reported African American race/ethnicity. Participants significantly improved in their self-regulation for reducing unhealthy foods (P = 0.011), social support for balancing calories (P = 0.007), and family mealtime patterns (P = 0.003) from pre- to post-assessment. No significant changes were observed for anthropometric and BP measures. Conclusions Parental participation in a healthy lifestyle program can potentially improve family mealtime environment and frequency and increase self-regulation and social support for dietary behaviors of the family. These results have implications for planning future health programs with adolescents in schools. Funding Sources Supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2012-68001-22032.

scholarly journals Formative Process Evaluation of the “Connect” Physical Activity Feasibility Trial for Adolescents

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 117955652091890 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Zarrett ◽  
Michelle Abraczinskas ◽  
Brittany S Cook ◽  
Dawn Wilson ◽  
Alex Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Process Evaluation ◽  
Essential Elements ◽  
Equal Treatment ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
After School ◽  
Treatment Access ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Full Implementation ◽  
Observational Tool

Most interventions do not reach full implementation in real-world settings. Due to this issue, formative process evaluation during pilot programs can be especially useful to understand implementation strengths and areas for improvement so that full implementation can be reached in future iterations. This study demonstrated how a formative process evaluation of the Connect through Positive Leisure Activities for Youth (Connect) pilot informed course corrections for year 2 implementation. Connect is an intervention to promote a positive social motivational climate for physical activity (PA) in pre-existing after school programs. Connect ran 3 days a week for 8 weeks and had 2 components: a 30-minute “Get-to-Know-You” (GTKY) session and a 60-minute PA session. Formative evaluation was assessed using an observational tool and staff surveys. Changes in youth PA during program hours was assessed as a process outcome using the System for Observing Children’s Activity and Relationships during Play (SOCARP). All Connect essential elements were assessed with the observational tool including (a) social goal-oriented support; (b) collaborative, cooperative play; (c) equal treatment/access; and (d) an inclusive and engaging climate. Adequate dose was achieved on all items in all sessions. Although GTKY and PA sessions both reached high fidelity in promoting equal treatment and access, success in reaching fidelity varied for the 3 remaining essential elements. Post-intervention staff surveys indicated acceptability/adoptability of the Connect program and SOCARP observations indicated significant increases in PA from baseline to post-intervention. Changes for year 2 implementation based on the findings are discussed.

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