Tailoring interventions to promote physically active lifestyles in women

Abstract

Women can achieve improved qualitv of life’,2 and reduce risk of all-cause morbidity and mortality ” by regular participation in physical activity. In both men and women, physical activity has been associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, obesity, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and depression”. Although less research has been conducted regarding benefits specific to women, physical activity has been shown to provide protection from osteoporosis, red-uced risk of breast and cervical cancer, reduction or alleviation of premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea, reduced risk of gestational diabetes, reduced pregnancy-related pelvic and back pain, and the facilitation of labor and postnatal recovery.“,’ Unfortunately, 75% 0 f American women are inactive or underactive.” Women tend to be less active than men when vigorous activity is assessed; however, gender differences disappear when moderate and light intensity activity are considered.” Participation in physical activity decreases as women increase in age,7 and women of minority status are less active than their majority peers.8 Much of what is known about enhancing physical activity behavior comes from studies that have used psychological theories and models to guide intervention design and delivery. This area of research has identified several psychological, social, and environmental variables that are associated with patterns of physical activity behavior. The following discussion highlights some of these factors as they relate specifically to women.