Increasing Aerobic and Muscle-strengthening Physical Activity in Latinas Via Interactive Web-based Technology

Cancer is the leading cause of death among Latinos in the U.S. While engaging in a physically active lifestyle is one of the most important modifiable behaviors for reducing cancer risk; few Latinas achieve health-enhancing levels of physical activity (PA) recommended by the National PA Guidelines, particularly for muscle strengthening activities (MSA). For instance, 44% of Latinas meet the national guidelines for aerobic PA but only 17% meet the full guidelines for both aerobic and MSA. While the benefits of aerobic MVPA are well established for cancer and chronic disease prevention, participating in regular MSA may be key to further reducing cancer risk, as adherence to MSA guidelines has been associated with a 19% to 31% lower cancer mortality risk, independent of aerobic PA. There is a need for interventions promoting MSA in Latinas. However, only a select few MSA interventions have included Latinas in their sample, and none to the investigators' knowledge, were designed exclusively for this population or addressed socio-cultural factors influencing Latinas' muscle strengthening behaviors (e.g., perception that MSA is for men; MSA is an avoided topic in their culture and social circles; belief that women should only do certain types of MSA). Moreover, existing interventions often involved in-person exercise programs, which can be inaccessible to many Latinas due to barriers such as lack of transportation or fear of immigration enforcement. The research team has previously developed and tested aerobic moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) interventions for Latinas that overcome barriers to in-person programs and address PA-related socio-cultural factors. These theory-driven, individually tailored interventions have shown success at increasing aerobic MVPA among Latina women in both print and Internet-based randomized controlled trials, and now provide an ideal platform for promoting MSA in this at-risk population. To address the gap in literature on MSA, the investigators recently conducted qualitative interviews with 19 Latinas to identify theory-based barriers and facilitators of muscle strengthening PA, then developed MSA intervention materials and further refined them for cultural appropriateness, relevance, and appeal in Latinas. In the proposed research, the investigators will incorporate the newly developed MSA promotion materials into the existing web-based aerobic MVPA intervention and conduct a 12-week fully online randomized pilot trial testing the preliminary efficacy of the newly adapted web-based aerobic plus MSA intervention for Latinas. Fifty Latina adults (i.e., aged 18-65 years) will be randomized to either the: 1) original aerobic MVPA intervention arm, or 2) aerobic MVPA plus MSA intervention arm. This study aims to: 1) Assess the preliminary efficacy of the aerobic plus MSA intervention for increasing MSA, and 2) Explore potential mediators and moderators of MSA. This interactive and highly disseminable approach can achieve significant health improvements in an at-risk population.