Physical Activity Interventions in Faith-Based Organizations: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Promotion
• Intervention Studies

Background:

• Faith-based organizations (FBOs) are recognized as potential settings for health promotion initiatives.
• Addressing health disparities through community-based interventions is a key public health objective.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and assess the effectiveness of physical activity interventions implemented within FBOs.
• To evaluate the impact of these interventions on physical activity levels, fitness, and overall health outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases (e.g., MEDLINE, Cochrane Library) up to January 2016.
• Included were randomized and nonrandomized controlled trials involving adults participating in physical activity interventions in FBOs.
• Data extraction and quality assessment were performed by two independent reviewers; effect sizes were estimated using relative risk and mean difference.

Main Results:

• The review encompassed 18 studies, predominantly featuring female participants and trials conducted in the United States.
• While interventions demonstrated a positive influence on physical activity, health, and fitness, significant study heterogeneity precluded meta-analyses.
• The overall quality of the evidence supporting these positive outcomes was determined to be very low.

Conclusions:

• FBOs represent a promising venue for promoting physical activity and potentially reducing health disparities.
• There is a critical need for high-quality randomized clinical trials to rigorously evaluate the efficacy of interventions delivered in these settings.