Search

Background: African American (AA) women perform low levels of physical activity (PA) and are disproportionally burdened by cardiometabolic disease conditions when compared to White women and the U.S. population as a whole. These disparities emphasize the need for innovative and effective interventions to increase PA and reduce cardiometabolic disease risk among AA women. Recent evidence suggests that mobile health (mHealth) interventions have the potential to increase PA and reduce cardiometabolic disease risk factors. Few studies have examined the efficacy of mHealth PA interventions among racial/ethnic minorities, including AA women. This represents a missed opportunity given the reported success of technology-delivered PA interventions in predominately White populations and the high use of technology among AA women., Objective: To describe the design, theoretical rationale, and cultural relevance of Smart Walk, a culturally sensitive smartphone-delivered PA intervention for AA women., Design and Methods: Smart Walk is an 8-month, randomized controlled pilot trial designed to increase PA and reduce cardiometabolic disease risk among AA women. Sixty physically inactive AA women with obesity will be assigned to receive either a culturally relevant intervention designed to increase PA (by targeting leisure-time, household chore/task-related, and occupational PA) or a culturally relevant wellness attention-matched control condition. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, 4 months, and 8 months, and include feasibility and acceptability of the PA intervention and evaluation of effects on PA and cardiometabolic risk factors., Summary: Smart Walk represents a culturally relevant, theory-based approach to promote PA and reduce cardiometabolic disease risk in AA women., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Behavioral support may be effective in increasing physical activity (PA) in school settings. However, there are no data collection systems to concurrently record PA and behavioral support. This paper describes the development and validation of the System for Observing Behavioral Ecology for Youth in Schools (SOBEYS)-an instrument used with existing observation systems to record PA within a behavioral ecological context., Methods: In 2013, experts created a set of behavioral categories to record prompting and reinforcement of PA during a recreational school activity program. The school provided supervision and equipment for lunchtime PA, making it possible to assess both PA and behavioral support. The system was implemented in spring semester 2014 at 1 suburban junior high school (N = 1452; 48% girls, 74% Caucasian) in the western Unites States., Results: Following multiple field trials, the SOBEYS instrument recorded behavioral categories of visual and verbal prompting, verbal, and nonreinforcement by adults and peers, and token reinforcement. Construct validity and acceptable interobserver agreement (>90%; kappa between 0.22 and 0.94) resulted., Conclusion: Trained SOBEYS users can accurately and reliably record the presence of behavioral support aimed at prompting and reinforcing PA in conjunction with established systematic observation instruments to record PA context and quantity., (© 2017, American School Health Association.)

Objective: We examined the cultural relevance of Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) in the design of a physical activity intervention for African-American women., Methods: A qualitative study design was used. Twenty-five African-American women (Mean age = 38.5 years, Mean BMI = 39.4 kg·m2) were enrolled in a series of focus groups (N = 9) to elucidate how 5 SCT constructs (ie, Behavioral Capability, Outcome Expectations, Self-efficacy, Self-regulation, Social Support) can be culturally tailored in the design of a physical activity program for African-American women., Results: For the construct of Behavioral Capability, participants were generally unaware of the amount, intensity, and types of physical activity needed for health benefits. Outcome Expectations associated with physical activity included increased energy, improved health, weight loss, and positive role modeling behaviors. Constructs of Self-efficacy and Self-regulation were elicited through the women perceiving themselves as a primary barrier to physical activity. Participants endorsed the need of a strong social support component and identified a variety of acceptable sources to include in a physical activity program (ie, family, friends, other program participants)., Conclusions: Findings explicate the utility of SCT as a behavioral change theoretical basis for tailoring physical activity programs to African-American women.

Background: African-American women perform low levels of physical activity and are disproportionally burdened by associated cardiometabolic disease conditions (i.e., 57 % are obese, 49 % have cardiovascular disease). The marked health disparities among African-American women indicate the need for innovative strategies to promote physical activity to help attenuate the chronic disease health disparities in this high-risk population. Culturally tailoring physical activity programs to address the sociocultural norms, values, beliefs, and behaviors of African-American women is an advantageous strategy to enhance physical activity promotion efforts. The purpose of this article is to discuss critical aspects for researchers to consider when designing physical activity programs for African-American women and to present a conceptual framework to guide intervention development., Methods: Development of the framework was based on our previous physical activity research with African-American women, seminal literature on the topics of cultural adaptation and health promotion, sociological and theoretical perspectives on the role of women in African-American culture, and key determinants of physical activity engagement among African-American women., Results: Three key concepts are discussed in the conceptual framework: (1) Developmental milestones and life stage transitions of African-American women; (2) Historical, social, and cultural influences associated with physical activity engagement; and (3) Intervention delivery strategies., Discussion: Using the framework to guide intervention development has the potential to enhance the physical activity and health outcomes of a physical activity program for African-American women.

There is clear and consistent evidence that regular physical activity is an important component of healthy lifestyles and fundamental to promoting health and preventing disease. Despite the known benefits of physical activity participation, many people in the United States remain inactive. More specifically, physical activity behavior is socially patterned with lower participation rates among women; racial/ethnic minorities; sexual minority youth; individuals with less education; persons with physical, mental, and cognitive disabilities; individuals >65 yr of age; and those living in the southeast region of the United States. Many health-related outcomes follow a pattern that is similar to physical activity participation. In response to the problem of inequities in physical activity and overall health in the United States, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has developed a national roadmap that supports achieving health equity through a physically active lifestyle. The actionable, integrated pathways that provide the foundation of ACSM's roadmap include the following: 1) communication-raising awareness of the issue and magnitude of health inequities and conveying the power of physical activity in promoting health equity; 2) education-developing educational resources to improve cultural competency for health care providers and fitness professionals as well as developing new community-based programs for lay health workers; 3) collaboration-building partnerships and programs that integrate existing infrastructures and leverage institutional knowledge, reach, and voices of public, private, and community organizations; and 4) evaluation-ensuring that ACSM attains measurable progress in reducing physical activity disparities to promote health equity. This article provides a conceptual overview of these four pathways of ACSM's roadmap, an understanding of the challenges and advantages of implementing these components, and the organizational and economic benefits of achieving health equity.

Purpose: Develop strategic priorities to guide future physical activity surveillance in the United States., Methods: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Sports Medicine convened a scientific roundtable of physical activity and measurement experts. Participants summarized the current state of aerobic physical activity surveillance for adults, focusing on practice and research needs in three areas: 1) behavior, 2) human movement, and 3) community supports. Needs and challenges for each area were identified. At the conclusion of the meeting, experts identified one overarching strategy and five strategic priorities to guide future surveillance., Results: The identified overarching strategy was to develop a national plan for physical activity surveillance similar to the U.S. National Physical Activity Plan for promotion. The purpose of the plan would be to enhance coordination and collaboration within and between sectors, such as transportation and public health, and to address specific strategic priorities identified at the roundtable. These strategic priorities were used 1) to identify and prioritize physical activity constructs; 2) to assess the psychometric properties of instruments for physical activity surveillance; 3) to provide training and technical assistance for those collecting, analyzing, or interpreting surveillance data; 4) to explore accessing data from alternative sources; and 5) to improve communication, translation, and dissemination about estimates of physical activity from surveillance systems., Conclusion: This roundtable provided strategic priorities for physical activity surveillance in the United States. A first step is to develop a national plan for physical activity surveillance that would provide an operating framework from which to execute these priorities.

Faith-based programs have shown beneficial effects for health and behaviors. Few have specifically intervened on the spiritual, mental (i.e., stress), and physical dimensions of well-being combined for health and healthy behaviors (i.e., exercise and diet). The purpose of this report is to describe the feasibility of executing a spirituality-based health behavior change, program founded upon the Spiritual Framework of Coping. This study was a quasi-experimental one group pretest-posttest design. Feasibility objectives were assessed, and limited efficacy of pretest and posttest measures was analyzed using paired t test (p < .05). Acceptance of the program was positive, and modest demand was shown with initial interest and an average attendance of 78.7%. The program was successfully implemented as shown by meeting session objectives and 88% homework completion. The program was practical for the intended participants and was successfully integrated within the existing environment. Limited efficacy measures showed no pre-post changes. This study provided preliminary support for the design and further testing of the theoretical components of the Spiritual Framework of Coping that informed the program.

Background: Physical activity prevents or delays progression of impaired glucose tolerance in high-risk individuals. Physical activity promotion should serve as a basis in diabetes care. It is necessary to develop and evaluate health-promoting methods that are feasible as well as cost-effective within diabetes care. The aim of Sophia Step Study is to evaluate the impact of a multi-component and a single component physical activity intervention aiming at improving HbA1c (primary outcome) and other metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors, physical activity levels and overall health in patients with pre- and type 2 diabetes., Methods/design: Sophia Step Study is a randomized controlled trial and participants are randomly assigned to either a multi-component intervention group (A), a pedometer group (B) or a control group (C). In total, 310 patients will be included and followed for 24 months. Group A participants are offered pedometers and a website to register steps, physical activity on prescription with yearly follow-ups, motivational interviewing (10 occasions) and group consultations (including walks, 12 occasions). Group B participants are offered pedometers and a website to register steps. Group C are offered usual care. The theoretical framework underpinning the interventions is the Health Belief Model, the Stages of Change Model, and the Social Cognitive Theory. Both the multi-component intervention (group A) and the pedometer intervention (group B) are using several techniques for behavior change such as self-monitoring, goal setting, feedback and relapse prevention. Measurements are made at week 0, 8, 12, 16, month 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24, including metabolic and cardiovascular biomarkers (HbA1c as primary health outcome), accelerometry and daily steps. Furthermore, questionnaires were used to evaluate dietary intake, physical activity, perceived ability to perform physical activity, perceived support for being active, quality of life, anxiety, depression, well-being, perceived treatment, perceived stress and diabetes self- efficacy., Discussion: This study will show if a multi-component intervention using pedometers with group- and individual consultations is more effective than a single- component intervention using pedometers alone, in increasing physical activity and improving HbA1c, other metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors, physical activity levels and overall health in patients with pre- and type 2 diabetes., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02374788 . Registered 28 January 2015.

Background: African American women report insufficient physical activity and are disproportionally burdened by associated disease conditions; indicating the need for innovative approaches to promote physical activity in this underserved population. Social media platforms (i.e. Facebook) and text messaging represent potential mediums to promote physical activity. This paper reports the results of a randomized pilot trial evaluating a theory-based (Social Cognitive Theory) multi-component intervention using Facebook and text-messages to promote physical activity among African American women., Methods: Participants (N = 29) were randomly assigned to receive one of two multi-component physical activity interventions over 8 weeks: a culturally-relevant, Social Cognitive Theory-based, intervention delivered by Facebook and text message (FI) (n = 14), or a non-culturally tailored print-based intervention (PI) (n = 15) consisting of promotion brochures mailed to their home. The primary outcome of physical activity was assessed by ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers. Secondary outcomes included self-reported physical activity, physical activity-related psychosocial variables, and participant satisfaction., Results: All randomized participants (N = 29) completed the study. Accelerometer measured physical activity showed that FI participants decreased sedentary time (FI = -74 minutes/week vs. PI = +118 minute/week) and increased light intensity (FI = +95 minutes/week vs. PI = +59 minutes/week) and moderate-lifestyle intensity physical activity (FI = + 27 minutes/week vs. PI = -34 minutes/week) in comparison to PI participants (all P's < .05). No between group differences for accelerometer measured moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity were observed (P > .05). Results of secondary outcomes showed that in comparison to the PI, FI participants self-reported greater increases in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (FI = +62 minutes/week vs. PI = +6 minutes/week; P = .015) and had greater enhancements in self-regulation for physical activity (P < .001) and social support from family for physical activity (P = .044). Satisfaction with the FI was also high: 100% reported physical activity-related knowledge gains and 100% would recommend the program to a friend., Conclusions: A culturally-relevant Facebook and text message delivered physical activity program was associated with several positive outcomes, including decreased sedentary behavior, increased light- and moderate-lifestyle intensity physical activity, enhanced psychosocial outcomes, and high participant satisfaction. Future studies with larger samples are warranted to further explore the efficacy of technology-based approaches to promote physical activity among African American women., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02372565 . Registered 25 February 2015.

Background: Weight gain during the childbearing years and failure to lose pregnancy weight after birth contribute to the development of obesity in postpartum Latinas., Methods: Madres para la Salud [Mothers for Health] was a 12-month, randomized controlled trial exploring a social support intervention with moderate-intensity physical activity (PA) seeking to effect changes in body fat, fat tissue inflammation, and depression symptoms in sedentary postpartum Latinas. This report describes the efficacy of the Madres intervention., Results: The results show that while social support increased during the active intervention delivery, it declined to pre-intervention levels by the end of the intervention. There were significant achievements in aerobic and total steps across the 12 months of the intervention, and declines in body adiposity assessed with bioelectric impedance., Conclusions: Social support from family and friends mediated increases in aerobic PA resulting in decrease in percent body fat., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01908959.

We report the social marketing strategies used for the design, recruitment and retention of participants in a community-based physical activity (PA) intervention, Madres para la Salud (Mothers for Health). The study example used to illustrate the use of social marketing is a 48-week prescribed walking program, Madres para la Salud (Mothers for Health), which tests a social support intervention to explore the effectiveness of a culturally specific program using 'bouts' of PA to effect the changes in body fat, fat tissue inflammation and postpartum depression symptoms in sedentary Hispanic women. Using the guidelines from the National Benchmark Criteria, we developed intervention, recruitment and retention strategies that reflect efforts to draw on community values, traditions and customs in intervention design, through partnership with community members. Most of the women enrolled in Madres para la Salud were born in Mexico, largely never or unemployed and resided among the highest crime neighborhoods with poor access to resources. We developed recruitment and retention strategies that characterized social marketing strategies that employed a culturally relevant, consumer driven and problem-specific design. Cost and benefit of program participation, consumer-derived motivation and segmentation strategies considered the development transition of the young Latinas as well as cultural and neighborhood barriers that impacted retention are described.

Objective: This exploratory cross-sectional study examined nurse practitioners' (NPs) and physician assistants' (PAs) perceptions about their physical activity counseling practices., Method: Participants were currently practicing NPs (n=240) and PAs (n=78) primarily in Arizona, USA during 2010. Participants completed a modified version of the Promotion of Physical Activity by Nurse Practitioners Questionnaire either online or in person during a practitioner specific conference. Mann-Whitney U tests and Chi-Square analyses examined differences between NPs and PAs., Results: NP respondents were older (48 vs. 40 yrs, p<0.001) and more likely to be female (94% vs. 76%; p<0.001) compared to PAs. The majority of respondents (NPs:75%; PAs:64%; p<0.07) reported routinely counseling patients about physical activity. There were no differences in perceived knowledge (p=0.10) or confidence (p=0.75) to provide physical activity counseling between NPs and PAs. Approximately half of all respondents reported receiving training to provide physical activity counseling as part of their educational preparation to become a health practitioner (p=0.18)., Conclusion: Study results indicate that NPs and PAs are knowledgeable, confident and currently providing some level of physical activity counseling to patients. However, the majority of respondents are interested in receiving additional training to aid in providing physical activity counseling., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Promotoras from the communities in which interventions are implemented can be effective contributors to validity and fidelity efforts. This article describes a 48-week randomized controlled trial Madres para la Salud (Mothers for Health) and illustrates the use of promotoras as collaborative members of the research team to contribute to attaining integrative validity and treatment fidelity. Madres para la Salud implements a culturally tailored physical activity program to effect changes in body fat, systemic and fat tissue inflammation, and depression symptoms. The significance of Madres para la Salud treatment validity and fidelity processes includes cultural tailoring of a social support intervention, and a promotora model to incorporate initial and ongoing fidelity monitoring.

Background: Weight gain in young women suggests that childbearing may be an important contributor to the development of obesity in women. Depressive symptoms can interfere with resumption of normal activity levels following childbirth or with the initiation of or adherence to physical activity programs essential for losing pregnancy weight. Depression symptoms may function directly to promote weight gain through a physiologic mechanism. Obesity and its related insulin resistance may contribute to depressed mood physiologically. Although physical activity has well-established beneficial effects on weight management and depression, women tend to under participate in physical activity during childbearing years. Further, the mechanisms underpinning the interplay of overweight, obesity, physical activity, depression, and inflammatory processes are not clearly explained., Objectives: This report describes the theoretical rationale, design considerations, and cultural relevance for "Madres para la Salud" [Mothers for Health]., Design and Methods: Madres para la Salud is a 12 month prospective, randomized controlled trial exploring the effectiveness of a culturally specific intervention using "bouts" of physical activity to effect changes in body fat, systemic and fat tissue inflammation, and postpartum depression symptoms in sedentary postpartum Latinas., Summary: The significance and innovation of Madres para la Salud includes use of a theory-driven approach to intervention, specification and cultural relevance of a social support intervention, use of a Promotora model to incorporate cultural approaches, use of objective measures of physical activity in post partum Latinas women, and the examination of biomarkers indicative of cardiovascular risk related to physical activity behaviors in postpartum Latinas., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: This study assessed the environmental characteristics of ten universities, comparing the extent to which physical infra-structures are able to support a route-based walking intervention., Method: Following protocol standardization between and within sites, major pedestrian routes at main suburban campuses in seven countries (Australia, Canada, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Spain and the United States) were audited by researchers using an established inventory (March-June 2008). The inventory assessed key characteristics (e.g. size and employee number) and nine specific items (pedestrian facilities, vehicle conflicts, crossings, route-maintenance, walkway width, roadway buffer, universal accessibility, aesthetics and cover), scored on a five-point scale (1=very poor; 5=excellent). Item scores for each route, were combined and weighted, to provide indicators of low (score of 20-39), fair (score of 40-69), or good (score of 70-100) physical infra-structure support., Results: Sites varied in area (range of 7-1000 acres) and employee numbers (range of 700-7500 employees). Audits reported good support for route-based walking at seven sites (overall route score range=72.5+/-13.9-82.2+/-17.4), fair support at two sites (overall route score of 69.1+/-11.7 and 61.7+/-14.6), and low support at one site (overall route score of 22.1+/-7.3)., Conclusions: Study methods highlight a valuable audit process, while findings identify the need to improve aspects of physical infra-structure at sites where the built environment may be less conducive for route-based walking.

Objective: To report the results of a comprehensive review of published intervention studies to identify the best evidence available for guiding weight management interventions in postpartum women., Data Sources: Electronic searches were conducted of three electronic databases: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature; Medline; and the Science Citation Index, Expanded, in the Web of Science from 1994 to May 2007. Keyword searches were conducted using the terms obesity, obese, overweight, postpartum, pregnancy weight, and weight management in postpartum women., Study Selection: Six studies were selected that met the inclusion criteria of testing interventions and one that reported preintervention planning and targeted a weight management intervention for postpartum women., Data Extraction: All six interventions showed significant impact with diet and exercise or some combination on body composition in the targeted sample of women., Data Synthesis: The strengths of previous studies include an emphasis on precision in outcome measures and experimental conditions; limitations were that the theoretical basis for the interventions was frequently omitted and limited attention given to the cultural, social, and contextual factors established in descriptive research., Conclusions: Interventions need to target women early in their childbearing years to have the most significant long-term impact.

Objective: This study examined the associations between body mass index (BMI) and environmental supports for physical activity in active and inactive adults based on national recommendations for physical activity and walking. Residents of a southeastern community (N = 1,111; ages 18-75 years) were contacted using a random-digit-dial method and were asked about neighborhood and community social and environmental supports for physical activity., Main Outcome Measure: Physical activity was measured using the 2001 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) physical activity module., Results: There was a positive association between higher physical activity and walking levels and lower BMI levels. Trusting neighborhoods, having recreational facilities present, and using trails were each associated with twice the odds of being overweight versus obese among those not meeting the national physical activity recommendations. Using trails was also associated with 2.7 times the odds of being overweight as opposed to obese among participants who were not regular walkers., Conclusion: Improving environmental supports for access and use of trails and recreational facilities may be important for future environmental interventions aimed at reducing obesity among inactive individuals., ((PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2007 APA, all rights reserved).)

The translation of health research is a process of transforming scientific discoveries arising from laboratory, clinical, or population studies into clinical or population-based applications to improve health by reducing disease incidence, morbidity, and mortality. Initiated by the National Institutes for Health Roadmap Initiative and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, translation of research has become a priority for federally funded research programs and centers. In kinesiology, the translation of health research can be accomplished through organized, focused research agendas designed to understand causes and solutions to health challenges from the level of the laboratory bench to the park bench. Multiuniversity research consortiums may facilitate translation of health research in kinesiology, similar to those seen in the medical sciences. (Contains 2 figures.)

Background: Neighborhood environment attributes of walkability and access to recreation facilities have been related to physical activity and weight status, but most self-report environment measures are lengthy. The 17-item PANES (Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale) was developed to be comprehensive but brief enough for use in multipurpose surveys. The current study evaluated test-retest and alternate-form reliability of PANES items compared with multi-item subscales from the longer NEWS-A (Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale—Abbreviated). Methods: Participants were 291 adults recruited from neighborhoods that varied in walkability in 3 US cities. Surveys were completed twice with a 27-day interval. Results: Test-retest ICCs for PANES items ranged from .52 to .88. Spearman correlations for the PANES single item vs NEWS-A subscale comparisons ranged from .27 to .81 (all P < .01). Conclusions: PANES items related to land use mix, residential density, pedestrian infrastructure, aesthetic qualities, and safety from traffic and crime were supported by correlations with NEWS-A subscales. Access to recreation facilities and street connectivity items were not supported. The brevity of PANES allows items to be included in studies or surveillance systems to expand knowledge about neighborhood environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The translation of health research is a process of transforming scientific discoveries arising from laboratory, clinical, or population studies into clinical or populationbased applications to improve health by reducing disease incidence, morbidity, and mortality. Initiated by the National Institutes for Health Roadmap Initiative and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, translation of research has become a priority for federally funded research programs and centers. In kinesiology, the translation of health research can be accomplished through organized, focused research agendas designed to understand causes and solutions to health challenges from the level of the laboratory bench to the park bench. Multiuniversity research consortiums may facilitate translation of health research in kinesiology, similar to those seen in the medical sciences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purposes of this article are to: (a) describe the rationale and development of the Youth Compendium of Physical Activities (Youth Compendium); and (b) discuss the utility of the Youth Compendium for audiences in research, education, community, health care, public health, and the private sector.Methods: The Youth Compendium provides a list of 196 physical activities (PA) categorized by activity types, specific activities, and metabolic costs (youth metabolic equivalents of task [METy]) as measured by indirect calorimetry. The utility of the Youth Compendium was assessed by describing ways in which it can be used by a variety of audiences.Results: Researchers can use METy values to estimate PA levels and determine changes in PA in intervention studies. Educators can ask students to complete PA records to determine time spent in physical activities and to identify health-enhancing activities for classroom PA breaks. Community leaders, parents, and health care professionals can identify activity types that promote healthful behaviors. Public health agencies can use the METy values for surveillance and as a resource to inform progress toward meeting national physical activity guidelines. Applications for the private sector include the use of METy in PA trackers and other applications.Conclusion: The National Collaborative on Childhood Obesity Research Web site presents the Youth Compendium and related materials to facilitate measurement of the energy cost of nearly 200 physical activities in children and youth. The Youth Compendium provides a way to standardize energy costs in children and youth and has application for a wide variety of audiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The health-enhancing benefits of regular physical activity have been theorized for thousands of years. Within the past 25 years, public health agencies, health-related organizations, and health-focused foundations have recognized regular physical activity as a major factor in preventing premature morbidity and mortality. Colleges and universities have experienced a paradigm shift in applying public health strategies to prepare graduates in understanding how to reduce the impact of sedentary lifestyles on health outcomes. For nearly 20 years, some kinesiology departments have expanded from traditional curricula to new courses and degrees in promoting physical activity in the community, the application of epidemiology concepts to physical activity, and the study of policy and environmental approaches to promoting physical activity. Given the high prevalence of physical activity insufficient to prevent premature morbidity and mortality, continuing educational efforts are needed to assure kinesiology students have the skills and information needed to promote physical activity in communities to people of all ages and abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing recognition of the need for the primary prevention of chronic illnesses across the lifespan. In recent years, diseases that were formerly associated with adulthood such as diabetes are being diagnosed in adolescents and young adults. While there have been many prevention efforts focusing on health in children and adolescents, there is a limited body of research examining prevention in young adults. This article examines the concept of wellness in the Millennial generation and describes how their life course experiences impact seven domains of wellness. Specifically, this article describes the period and cohort effects that influence the domains of wellness and how the Millennial generation differs from other generations in these aspects of wellness. Finally, this paper provides an overview of the technological and cultural influences on wellness in the Millennial generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationships among physical activity, leisure, and health as well as other dimensions like nutrition and environmental conditions, have implications for everyone's quality of life. The purpose of this paper was to explore the attitudes and benefits, constraints, and meanings of leisure-time physical activity as perceived by a group of older American Indian women. Health promotion models have been developed to explain involvement in physical activity. None of these models, however, has examined specifically the role that enjoyment plays in physical activity involvement. Therefore, in this study the catalyst for physical involvement was examined related to the psychological effects of the intrinsic rewards of physical activity generally associated with leisure. Using in-depth interviews from 26 American Indian women representing three tribes in the United States, we explored and analyzed how leisure and health might be connected, and examined how the perceived enjoyment of physical activity resulted in physical and mental health. An enjoyment model of physical activity was proposed based on the data. The model illustrated how enjoyment may be a critical factor in mitigating constraints to physical activity and leading to healthy individuals, families, and communities. Further, involvement in physical activity led to more activity and better health, enabling an individual to enjoy life more. For American Indian women, aspects of enjoyment provided harmony and balance that also reinforced a higher quality of family and community life. The enjoyment model was also compared to existing health promotion models. Although more research is needed, the results from this exploratory study suggested that linking enjoyment and leisure to physical activity may be an important way to encourage physical activity participation among American Indian women as well as among other ethnic groups. The implications of enjoyment related to social support and community involvement could provide further ways to encourage people to be more active leading to healthier individuals, families, and communities. One way to promote leisure-time physical activity among these American Indian women may be to suggest that activity done for one's personal enjoyment might also influence the enjoyment of others, including family, tribe, and the larger community. The value of being healthy as a protective factor for the entire Indian community seemed important to consider. A connection between leisure and health may be manifested through involvement in enjoyable physical activity that has physical, emotional, and social outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical activity is often considered the responsibility of individuals. Recently, however, interest has developed in social ecological approaches that focus on a full spectrum of behavioral influences such as social and physical environments. A public park and recreation department has influence over some of the environmental and policy determinants of physical activity in a community. Therefore, the purpose of this exploratory examination of one community was to analyze the perceptions of people regarding physical activity, and to interpret the results from a social ecological perspective regarding how public parks and recreation staff might further promote active Lifestyles. Data came from six focus groups conducted during April-June 1999 in a community in the Southeast United States. The six groups included a women's walking group, teachers and school employees, YMCA members and employees, a Chamber of Commerce business group, a Community Coalition for Physical Activity group related to Healthy People 2000 objectives, and participants in senior (older adult) services. A total of 52 people who ranged in age from 22-75 years were involved in the group interviews. The participants were 46% African American and 54% European American with 70% of the participants women. Each of the focus groups was audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. A systematic method was used for coding and analyzing these qualitative data. Focus group participants expressed their perceptions about quality of life in the community and the physical activity opportunities that were available for themselves, their family, and friends. Constraints or barriers to participation were addressed. Although many of these constraints were individual in nature, they had environmental and policy implications. The potential for enhancing and promoting physical activity by public parks and recreation as well as local government, businesses, churches, schools, and health departments was described by the focus group members and was illustrated in a model that developed from these data. The results supported more efforts by the public park and recreation department, as well as a multisectoral approach, to providing physical activity opportunities in active communities. The major conclusions that emerged from these data that might be considered in other similar communities were: 1) Park and recreation departments, along with other community groups, can have an increasing role in creating a definition of an "active" community. The greatest challenge is not only to educate people that physical activity is good for them, but also to educate them about ways that they can become physically active. 2) A range of settings, facilities, and programs for children and adults as well as education for, and information about, physical activity must be available. 3) Physical activity does not occur in a vacuum. Issues such as transportation and accessibility must be accommodated regarding what already exists as well as in determining new initiatives. 4) Safety concerns are crucial in the design and planning of supportive physical activity environments. This safety includes physical safety as well as perceived safety. 5) Partnerships will be required to promote physical activity in a community. A joint effort with a shared vision and conjoint responsibilities is required. "It takes a village" to promote physical activity in a community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on a study which assessed the physical activity patterns on a walking trail in a community park. Methodology; Results of the study; Conclusions.

Objectives: This study explored the limitations of identifying sedentary individuals via an existing screening question in a state-based surveillance system. Methods: A national sample (n = 7529) of adults, selected by random-digit dialing between November 1999 and May 2000, responded about participation in leisure-time physical activity. Results: Of those who initially reported no leisure-time physical activity (25%), 85% were engaging in at least some activity, and 20% were engaging in enough moderate- or vigorous-intensity activity to meet health-related recommendations. Conclusions: Public health programs that use only 1 screening question to identify sedentary behavior may not be able to target physical activity messages effectively, especially if physical activity is defined to include a broad range of activities beyond sports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assesses physical activity patterns in women. Health benefits of regular physical activity to women; Role of physicians in encouraging female patients to engage in physical activity; Advice on health promotion for women.