Mujeres en accion: design and baseline data

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Gerontology
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Few physical activity programs for older Hispanic women incorporate culturally relevant, theory-based interventions.
• Existing interventions often lack innovative strategies tailored to this demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the design and baseline data of Mujeres en Accion, a novel physical activity intervention.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of a social support intervention for increasing physical activity and improving cardiovascular health in midlife and older Hispanic women.

Main Methods:

• A 12-month randomized controlled trial evaluating the Mujeres en Accion intervention.
• Utilizing a theory-driven approach, social support as a mediator, and a Promotora model.
• Incorporating a Community Advisory group and objective physical activity measures.

Main Results:

• Baseline data collection for Mujeres en Accion is complete.
• The intervention design incorporates cultural and social strategies relevant to Hispanic women.
• Objective measures will provide robust data on physical activity changes.

Conclusions:

• Mujeres en Accion represents an innovative, culturally sensitive approach to promoting physical activity in older Hispanic women.
• The study design addresses a critical gap in evidence-based interventions for this population.
• Findings are expected to inform future public health initiatives for diverse older adult groups.