According to the authors of recent research published in the journal Health Education Research, 'This study tested the initial efficacy of implementing a physical activity (PA) behavior change intervention for midlife African American (AA) men. Intervention components were based on information gathered during formative research preceding the intervention.'
'Eligible participants were underactive AA men ages 45-66 years. In a quasi-experimental pre-post design, participants attended 90-min program sessions twice weekly for 8 weeks. Session topics specific to PA included overcoming barriers, gaining social support, setting goals, tracking progress and integrating into one's lifestyle. Participants were assigned to teams to facilitate group discussion, problem solving, accountability and camaraderie. 25 AA men (mean age = 54.7 +/- 4.8 years) completed the intervention. After 8 weeks, significant (P < 0.05) positive changes were observed for moderate to vigorous-intensity PA (+7.3 hour week(-1)) and overall PA (+9.4 hour week(-1)), self-efficacy for PA (+12%), social support for PA from family (+28%) and friends (+53%), self-regulation for planning (+33%) and goal setting (+48%) and each fitness component (+9 to +144%). Based on a post-intervention satisfaction survey, participants rated the program very positively,' wrote S.P. Hooker and colleagues, University of South Carolina.
The researchers concluded: 'These positive results attest to the feasibility of successfully engaging midlife AA men in a tailored PA behavior change program.'
Hooker and colleagues published their study in Health Education Research (Exploring the feasibility of a physical activity intervention for midlife African American men. Health Education Research, 2011;26(4):732-738).
For additional information, contact S.P. Hooker, University of South Carolina, Cancer Prevention & Control Program, Columbia, SC 29208, United States.
The publisher's contact information for the journal Health Education Research is: Oxford University Press, Great Clarendon St., Oxford OX2 6DP, England.
Keywords: City:Columbia, State:South Carolina, Country:United States, Region:North and Central America
This article was prepared by Education Letter editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2011, Education Letter via VerticalNews.com.
