Pilot study of a faith-based physical activity program among sedentary blacks

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Behavioral Science
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Low physical activity participation is a significant issue among black adults.
• Churches are vital community hubs for health promotion among black populations.
• Developing effective strategies for sustained physical activity behavior change is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a faith-based physical activity intervention.
• To assess the impact of a 3-month church-based program on physical activity levels in sedentary black adults.

Main Methods:

• A single-group, preintervention/postintervention design was employed.
• Eighty-seven sedentary black adults participated in eight group sessions over 3 months.
• Intervention included discussions, instructor-led activity, and weekly incentives; physical activity and daily steps were measured.

Main Results:

• After 12 weeks, moderate-intensity physical activity increased by 67 min/week (P ≤ .01).
• Vigorous-intensity physical activity increased by 44 min/week (P ≤ .01).
• Daily walking increased by 1373 steps/day (P < .001).

Conclusions:

• A faith-based physical activity intervention is a potentially effective strategy for increasing activity in sedentary black adults.
• The findings support the use of church settings for promoting physical activity.
• Further research with a randomized controlled design is warranted to confirm these results.