Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 5, 2025
07:27
Exergaming in Older People Living with HIV Improves Balance, Mobility and Ameliorates Some Aspects of Frailty
Published on: October 6, 2016
10.4K
Physical Activity Intervention Adaptation: Recommendations from Rural American Indian Older Adults.
Maja Pedersen1, Kari Jo Harris2, Blakely Brown2
1Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, USA. majaped@stanford.edu.
Summary
Evidence-based physical activity (PA) interventions are needed for American Indian (AI) older adults. This study adapted PA interventions considering cultural and social preferences for better health equity.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Gerontology
- Indigenous Health
Background:
- Preventive interventions are crucial for health equity in American Indian (AI) populations.
- Physical activity (PA) interventions are scarce for AI populations, creating a research-to-practice gap.
Purpose of the Study:
- To inform the adaptation and implementation of evidence-based interventions (EBIs) for physical activity (PA) among rural AI older adults.
- To address the research-to-practice gap by understanding preferences for PA interventions in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A community-based approach and an Indigenous-focused adaptation theoretical framework were employed.
- Qualitative, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 rural AI older adults (mean age 66).
- Collaborative directed content analysis was used, with trustworthiness ensured through inter-rater reliability and member checking.
Main Results:
- Key themes emerged regarding contextual and cultural considerations for PA intervention adaptation.
- Participants emphasized social and community interaction, targeted engagement strategies, and group formats.
- Preferences included pairing PA with shared meals and ensuring inclusivity across ability levels and age groups.
Conclusions:
- Opportunities exist for adapting PA-focused EBIs for rural AI older adults.
- Findings support the development of effective and culturally relevant PA interventions for this high-risk population.
- This research can reduce chronic disease and health disparities in AI communities.
