Cluster randomized multilevel intervention for promoting physical activity in rural communities.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Community Health Interventions
• Physical Activity Promotion

Background:

• Rural populations exhibit lower physical activity (PA) levels compared to urban and suburban areas.
• Lower PA in rural areas is linked to increased chronic disease prevalence.
• There is a need for effective interventions to boost PA in rural communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a community-based, multilevel intervention designed to increase physical activity in rural US communities.
• To assess the impact of text messaging, walking groups, and community marketing on PA levels.

Main Methods:

• A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted in 14 rural communities from 2019 to 2022.
• The intervention incorporated individual (text messaging), interpersonal (walking groups), and community-level (marketing) strategies.
• Adherence to the 2018 PA guidelines for aerobic activity was a primary outcome measure.

Main Results:

• The intervention group showed an increase in participants meeting aerobic PA guidelines.
• No significant differences were observed in recreational, occupational, transportation, or total PA between groups.
• The COVID-19 pandemic impacted intervention delivery and outcome assessment.

Conclusions:

• The multilevel intervention was associated with improved adherence to PA guidelines in rural settings.
• Text messaging emerged as a valuable component for PA promotion in rural areas, even amidst disruptions.
• Future research should integrate text messaging into PA promotion strategies for rural populations.