EFFECTIVENESS OF A COMMUNITY PHYSICAL ACTIVITY INTERVENTION

Abstract

The resources and expertise of delivery agents in communities differs from those used to demonstrate the efficacy of intervention protocols. This difference could result in interventions that are efficacious when tested in a randomized controlled trial, yet ineffective when delivered in communities. PURPOSE To determine the effectiveness of a physical activity intervention when delivered by community service providers. The intervention was based on team-building principles that have previously demonstrated efficacy in well-controlled studies. METHODS 15 service providers offered the program in their communities. Individuals n = 1074; Mage=47±15; 85% Female; 95% Caucasian) participating on self-organized teams completed the CDC BRFSS physical activity questions prior to initiating, and following, the 8-week program. Baseline responses were used to categorize participants into 3 categories: inactive, insufficiently active, or active based upon the CDC/ACSM recommendations for regular physical activity. RESULTS Many participants were active at baseline (n = 660), but the program also reached a large sample of insufficiently active (n = 326) and inactive (n = 88) individuals. A repeated measures MANOVA and post hoc analysis demonstrated that weekly minutes (MIN) of moderate physical activity increased for all participants (F(2,1071)=116.5, p < .01) but increased to a greater extent for inactive and insufficiently active participants when compared to those who were active at baseline (p < .01). Inactive participants increased from zero (95%CI = 0; 56) to 238 (95%CI = 154; 320) MIN. Insufficiently active participants increased from 65 (95%CI = 37; 95) to 231 (95%CI = 187; 275) MIN. Active participants increased from 306 (95%CI = 286; 327) to 396 (95%CI = 362; 423) MIN. All participants, regardless of baseline activity, level increased MIN of vigorous (F(2,1071)=70.7, p < .01) intensity physical activity by approximately 60 (95%CI = 57; 69) per week. CONCLUSIONS Findings from efficacy studies on team-building interventions promoting physical activity can generalize into community delivery systems.