An Intervention to Increase Physical Activity Among African American Women

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Sedentary Lifestyle; Inactivity

• Registration Number: NCT00473044
• Lead Sponsor: National Institute on Aging (NIA)

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether a faith-based curriculum delivered in small groups, and emphasizing goal setting along with mutual responsibility, increases physical activity.

Detailed Description

Sedentary lifestyles are common among older adults in the United States, especially among minority women. Regular physical activity in older adults has been shown to prevent falls, maintain functional status, prevent both dementia and osteoporosis, and decrease mortality. A review of the literature has shown that current research approaches using exercise classes as the only means of behavior change are ineffective and do not produce long-term sustainable improvement. This study is testing a culturally appropriate behavior modification intervention using 1) group prayer, 2) the development of social support and mutual responsibility for exercise, and 3) group problem solving activities to increase aerobic and strength-related activities among older African American women.

Participants randomized into the intervention arm receive a 45-minute curriculum session and a 45 minute exercise class, while those randomized into the control arm receive a 45 minute session of interactive lectures on unrelated health topics along with the 45 minute exercise class. The exercise class includes both aerobic exercise and strength training using hand-held weights.

Data is collected from pedometers worn by participants, as well as from questionnaires before and after the intervention. Blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol are measured before and after the intervention.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2006-04
• Study First Submitted: 2007-05-10
• Study First Submitted QC: 2007-05-10
• Study First Posted: 2007-05-14
• Primary Completion: 2008-01
• Study Completion: 2008-01
• Status Verified: 2008-12
• Last Update Submitted: 2008-12-29
• Last Update Posted: 2008-12-31

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: Female
• Target Recruitment: 104

Inclusion Criteria

• Age greater than 60 years
• Female
• African American

Exclusion Criteria

• Use of walker for ambulation
• Positive response on a modified Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire, indicating potential risk of engaging in activity
• Withdrawal by primary physician

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in weekly steps walked as measured by pedometer	10 weeks and 6 months

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in weekly metabolic equivalents expended in physical activity	10 weeks and 6 months
Change in blood pressure, weight, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol	10 weeks and 6 months

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

University of California, Los Angeles; 🇺🇸 Los Angeles, California, United States