An Intervention to Increase Physical Activity Among African American Women

Study Overview
=================
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.

Official Title
-----------------
An Intervention to Increase Physical Activity Among African American Women

Conditions
-----------------
Sedentary Lifestyle, Inactivity

Intervention / Treatment
-----------------
* Behavioral: Sisters in Motion


Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
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

Ages Eligible for Study
-----------------
Minimum Age: 60 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Intervention/Treatment |
| --- |
|Behavioral: Sisters in Motion|nan|

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in weekly steps walked as measured by pedometer |  | 10 weeks and 6 months | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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 |