Abstract
Despite increased governmental efforts towards promoting healthy and active lifestylesamong Brazilians, physical inactivity is a serious concern in the population. Therefore, wedeveloped a new approach to community interventions for the promotion of physical activitycalled “Project VAMOS: Active Living, Enhancing Health”. In this article we review information about the conception of the program, as well as name, brand, and logo development. We discussissues related to translation and cultural adaptation, evaluation strategies, and we review lessonslearned from the pilot phase of the project that involved older adults and public health centers(CS) in Florianopolis. One hundred older adults registered in six CS participated in the pilot study.They were randomly assigned into three different groups: “VAMOS” (n=33), traditional physicalactivity classes (n=35), and a control group (n=32). “VAMOS” is an educational program basedon behavioral change principles that consists of 12 meetings. Based on an American evidence--based program (“Active Living Every Day”), “VAMOS” was translated and culturally adaptedto the Brazilian context. A number of adjustments were made to the original American versionof the program prior to conducting the pilot study. For example, the content of the lessons andhomework were revised, we shortened the length of the lessons, as well as lowered the complexityof some of the materials. The results of the pilot study suggest that there was broad acceptanceof the “VAMOS“program by the older adult participants. Also, interviews with administrativestaff and health professionals working for the CS indicated a possibility and interest to continueto offer “VAMOS” as part of their regular programming for the community. In summary, “VAMOS”has great potential to be used with the Brazilian population. Adjustments are necessaryfor its utilization with other age groups and across different regions in Brazil.
Highlights
This article describes the development and implementation of a behavior change program named VAMOS (Acronym in Portuguese for Active Living, Enhancing Health)
Project VAMOS was offered through community Health Centers (HC) and the program was delivered by physical education professionals working for these centers
The participants and physical education professionals were unanimous in stating that the program was of great value in their lives and that it changed their behavior toward adopting a more active lifestyle
Summary
This article describes the development and implementation of a behavior change program named VAMOS (Acronym in Portuguese for Active Living, Enhancing Health). Important information is discussed regarding the program design, creation of the name and logo, translation, cultural adaptations, strategies for evaluating the program, and the first results obtained in the pilot study. Project VAMOS was offered through community Health Centers (HC) and the program was delivered by physical education professionals working for these centers. This project will help to understand some of the advantages and disadvantages of using Health Centers (a sustainable system) to implement a pioneer behavior change program in Brazil
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Revista Brasileira de Cineantropometria e Desempenho Humano
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
