A Physical Activity Intervention in Older African Americans: The PAACE Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Older African Americans have low levels of physical activity, which increases the risk of aging-related health conditions. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of, and satisfaction with, a community-engaged physical activity intervention targeting older African Americans.

Fifty-six older African Americans were randomized to a successful aging group (SAG) or a physical activity group (PAG) for 12 wk. The PAG consisted of two weekly group exercise sessions and two to three home-based exercise sessions per week. The SAG consisted of weekly group educational sessions related to various aspects of healthy aging. Physical activity was measured by ActiGraph accelerometers and the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors Activities Questionnaire in both groups, and a Fitbit was continuously worn by PAG participants.

Group session attendance was 93% and 86% in the PAG and SAG, respectively. The increase in ActiGraph-derived steps per day (1085.3 ± 265.6 vs 34.7 ± 274.3; P = 0.008) and daily minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA; 6.2 ± 1.6 vs 0.3 ± 1.7; d = 0.68; P = 0.01), and self-reported Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors Activities Questionnaire MVPA bouts (3.5 ± 0.77 vs 0.33 ± 0.79; P < 0.001) were significantly greater within the PAG than the SAG. ActiGraph-derived minutes of daily MVPA and steps as well as Fitbit-derived steps per day were significantly greater on days when PAG participants engaged in group sessions compared with days when they self-reported home-based exercise or no exercise ( P < 0.016). Participants in both study arms reported high levels of satisfaction (>4- on 5-point Likert scale).

The intervention increased physical activity, was well attended, and resulted in high satisfaction. Future studies should assess long-term sustainability in this population.