Improvements in stress among Latinas participating in a randomized controlled trial of technology-supported physical activity interventions.

Abstract

High levels of stress and inactivity likely contribute to chronic disease disparities among Latinas in the U.S. and call for intervention. To inform such efforts, the current study examined the relationships among changes (over time) in physical activity, stress, and related cardiometabolic biomarkers among sedentary (mostly) first generation Latinas. Data are taken from a randomized controlled trial (N=199 Latinas) of two home-based physical activity interventions (Original vs. theory- and technology- Enhanced versions). Physical activity and perceived stress were assessed at baseline and 6 and 12months. Blood draws occurred at baseline and 6months in a random subsample (N=153). The participants were underactive (<60/min week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) Mexican American (89%) women with moderate perceived stress scores (M=21.49, SD=8.55, range=0-40) and excess weight (M BMI=30.6) at baseline. Overall, participants reported decreases in stress after 6months enroled in the physical activity programs. The odds of a reduction in perceived stress were 11% higher among Enhanced versus Original Intervention participants (OR=1.11, 95% CI: 1.05-2.27). Those who met physical activity guidelines were significantly more likely to report reductions in perceived stress over 6months (OR=1.92, 95% CI: 1.08-4.16). Furthermore, those who reported reductions in perceived stress over 6months reported significantly more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity at 12months (+69min/week, SE=27.98, p=0.01) compared to those who did not. Greater reductions in perceived stress over 6months were associated with greater improvements in cardiometabolic biomarkers (HbA1c, triglycerides, p's<0.05). These results support a bidirectional relationship between improvements in stress and physical activity among Latinas. Future implications include using physical activity to address stress management and health disparities in this community.