Physical Activity In African Americans Research Articles

Racial Discrimination, Sedentary Time, and Physical Activity in African Americans: Quantitative Study Combining Ecological Momentary Assessment and Accelerometers.

BackgroundA growing number of studies indicate that exposure to social stress, such as perceived racial discrimination, may contribute to poor health, health behaviors, and health disparities. Increased physical activity (PA) may buffer the impact of social stress resulting from racial discrimination. However, to date, data on the relationship between racial discrimination and PA have been mixed. Part of the reason is that the effect of perceived racial discrimination on PA has primarily been examined in cross-sectional studies that captured retrospective measures of perceived racial discrimination associated with individuals’ current PA outcomes. The association between real-time perceived racial discrimination and PA among African Americans remains unclear.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study is to examine the relationship among demographic, anthropometric and clinical, and psychological factors with lifetime racial discrimination and examine the within- and between-person associations between daily real-time racial discrimination and PA outcomes (total energy expenditure, sedentary time, and moderate-to-vigorous PA patterns) measured by ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and accelerometers in healthy African Americans.MethodsThis pilot study used an intensive, observational, case-crossover design of African Americans (n=12) recruited from the community. After participants completed baseline surveys, they were asked to wear an accelerometer for 7 days to measure their PA levels. EMA was sent to participants 5 times per day for 7 days to assess daily real-time racial discrimination. Multilevel models were used to examine the within- and between-person associations of daily racial discrimination on PA.ResultsMore EMA-reported daily racial discrimination was associated with younger age (r=0.75; P=.02). Daily EMA-reported microaggression was associated with depressive symptoms (r=0.66; P=.05), past race-related events (r=0.82; P=.004), and lifetime discrimination (r=0.78; P=.01). In the within-person analyses, the day-level association of racial discrimination and sedentary time was significant (β=.30, SE 0.14; P=.03), indicating that on occasions when participants reported more racial discrimination than usual, more sedentary time was observed. Between-person associations of racial discrimination (β=−.30, SE 0.28; P=.29) or microaggression (β=−.34, SE 0.36; P=.34) with total energy expenditure were suggestive but inconclusive.ConclusionsConcurrent use of EMA and accelerometers is a feasible method to examine the relationship between racial discrimination and PA in real time. Examining daily processes at the within-person level has the potential to elucidate the mechanisms of which racial discrimination may have on health and health behaviors and to guide the development of personalized interventions for increasing PA in racial ethnic minorities. Future studies with a precision health approach, incorporating within- and between-person associations, are warranted to further elucidate the effects of racial discrimination and PA.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)RR2-10.1002/nur.22068

Abstract P318: The Association of Physical Activity With Serum Metabolomics: Findings From the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Background: Habitual physical activity can attenuate the risk of developing a variety of non-communicable diseases, however, the underlying mechanisms that explain these benefits remain unclear. Metabolomics profiling, a tool to provide metabolic phenotypes characterization, holds promise to describe the perturbed energy metabolism associated with physical activity. Identifying a pattern of physical activity related metabolites may provide novel insights into disease etiology. Methods: Metabolomic profiling was performed in 2,472 African Americans (AAs) and 1,551 European Americans (EAs) from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study. Two hundred forty five serum metabolites were identified and quantified by liquid and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Adjusted linear and ordinal logistic regression models were performed to examine the metabolite associations with reported, leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA), expressed continuously (METhrwk -1 ) and categorically based on the American Heart Association (AHA) Recommendations for Ideal Physical Activity (ideal, intermediate, or poor). Covariates included: age, gender, race, body mass index, smoking status, and study center. A metabolite risk score (MRS) was constructed using metabolites related to both MVPA and AHA recommendations to evaluate whether it better characterizes the metabolism associated with physical activity. Results: The mean MVPA was 5.8 METhrwk -1 and 11.1 METhrwk -1 for AAs and EAs respectively, 22.5% and 43.5% met the ideal category of AHA-recommended guideline. We identified eight metabolites that were significantly associated with MVPA (p < 2.04x10 -4 , Bonferroni correction), including indole propionate, docosahexaenoate (DHA; 22:6n3), 1-docosahexaenoylglycerophosphocholine (22:6n3), 3-carboxy-4-methyl-5-propyl-2-furanpropanoate (CMPF), N-acetylcarnosine, glycerate, threonate, and stachydrine. All eight metabolites showed individual significance in EAs, but only half (the latter four metabolites) had individual significance in AAs (p < 0.006). Except DHA and it derivative, the other six MVPA-related metabolites were also associated with AHA recommendations (p < 2.04x10 -4 ). One METhrwk -1 increase was associated with 2.18 SD increase of MRS (95% CI: 1.56-2.80), and stratification by race revealed a stronger effect in EAs compared to AAs. Conclusion: A set of metabolites are associated with physical activity in AAs and EAs, including known biomarkers for cardiometabolic diseases, and the MRS was associated with lower heart failure risk. Our findings provide novel insight into the mechanisms underlying the health effects of physical activity.

Factors associated with physical activity in African Americans with hypertension

BackgroundPharmacological management only controls 58% of those with hypertension. Combining pharmacological therapy with physical activity is important in controlling hypertension. AimTo examine factors associated with physical activity (PA) adherence in African Americans (AAs) with hypertension and antihypertensive medication adherence. MethodsA cross-sectional descriptive correlational design was used to examine if systolic BP, co-morbidities, serum creatinine and potassium, education, depression, locus of control, and social support explained PA adherence in a convenience sample of AAs (N = 77) aged 55 to 84. All completed: demographic data, PA visual analog scale (VAS-PA); Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale; Patient Health Question-9 Depression Instrument. Physiological data and co-morbidities were also collected. ResultsA third (n = 26) had systolic BP over 140 mm/Hg. The model explained 26% variance in adherence to PA (F = 3.378 [8, 68]; p = .003) with creatinine (p < .05), depression (p < .01), and social support (p < .05) as significant. Differences in VAS-PA scores between levels of depression were significant (F = 4.707 [269], p = .012; Eta2 = 0.12). Those with no depression had significantly higher PA adherence (M = 88.26, SD = 18.97) compared to mildly depressed (M = 70.24, SD 27.71) and moderately depressed (M = 66.83, SD = 23.31). ConclusionsClinicians should promote PA as an adjunct to medications for effective control of hypertension in AAs. Screening and intervening for depression are important when examining adherence to PA in AAs with hypertension.

Physical Activity Assessment in African Americans

Physical activity (PA) assessment is critical for understanding PA levels. Self-report tools are useful but can be inaccurate. PURPOSE: To determine:1) reliability/validity of the 7-item Modified International Physical Activity Questionnaire (MIPAQ) compared to objective measurement in African Americans and, 2) the effect of a 10-minute bout of moderate-intensity PA prior to survey administration on response accuracy. METHODS: Participants (N=91; 55 male, 33 female; aged 46.5 ± 12.6 years) were randomized to: 1) complete the MIPAQ only or 2) complete the MIPAQ after a 10-minute PA bout. Following the survey, participants wore a pedometer and accelerometer for seven days. Upon return, a random sample of participants completed the MIPAQ a second time for test-retest reliability, computed by Chronbach’s alphas. Spearman’s rank-order correlations compared objective and self-report PA measures. RESULTS: Walking PA (r=.3, p<.01) and Total PA (r=.28, p<.01) were correlated with the accelerometer PA. Among those who performed a pre-MIPAQ PA bout, Walking PA and Total PA were significantly correlated with the accelerometer (r=.43 and .31, respectively) and pedometer (r=.33 and .37, respectively). Associations remained significant in overweight participants. Chronbach’s alphas ranged from .88-.94, indicating high survey reliability. CONCLUSIONS: The MIPAQ is a valid and reliable measure of PA in African Americans. Adding a brief period of activity prior to survey completion may increase reporting accuracy. Research supported by Award Number R01HL094580.

Nineteenth Century Black and Mixed-Race Physical Activity, Calories, and Life Expectancy: Nutrition, Sanitation, or Medical Intervention?

Using data from late 19th and early twentieth century US prisons, this study considers how black and mixed-race basal metabolic rates and calories varied with economic development. During the nineteenth century, African-American physical activity and net nutrition decreased across their BMR and calorie distributions, and increasing black life expectancy indicates that decreasing mortality was not likely due to improved nutrition. Physically active farmers had greater BMRs and required more calories per day than workers in other occupations. Black diets, nutrition, and calories varied by residence, and rural blacks in the Deep South required the most calories per day, while their Northeastern urban counterparts required the least. Policy implications are that public sanitation facilities may be of greater import than nutrition during economic development.

"I Just Can't Do It Anymore" Patterns of Physical Activity and Cardiac Rehabilitation in African Americans with Heart Failure: A Mixed Method Study.

Physical activity and cardiac rehabilitation (CR) are components of heart failure (HF) self-care. The aims of this study were to describe patterns of physical activity in African Americans (n = 30) with HF and to explore experience in CR. This was a mixed method, concurrent nested, predominantly qualitative study. Qualitative data were collected via interviews exploring typical physical activity, and CR experience. It was augmented by quantitative data measuring HF severity, self-care, functional capacity and depressive symptoms. Mean age was 60 ± 15 years; 65% were New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III HF. Forty-three percent reported that they did less than 30 min of exercise in the past week; 23% were told “nothing” about exercise by their provider, and 53% were told to do “minimal exercise”. A measure of functional capacity indicated the ability to do moderate activity. Two related themes stemmed from the narratives describing current physical activity: “given up” and “still trying”. Six participants recalled referral to CR with one person participating. There was high concordance between qualitative and quantitative data, and evidence that depression may play a role in low levels of physical activity. Findings highlight the need for strategies to increase adherence to current physical activity guidelines in this older minority population with HF.

Preventive strategies to reduce depressive symptoms in overweight and obese young adults

This study examined the relationships among problem-solving, physical activity self-efficacy, leisure-time physical activity, and depressive symptoms in overweight/obese young adults vulnerable to many health risks. Data from 96 young adults were used. The mean age and body mass index were 24.0±3.3years old, and 36.9±7.9, respectively. There was a positive association between physical activity self-efficacy and leisure-time physical activity in African Americans, but not in non-African Americans. Better problem solving was associated with fewer depressive symptoms regardless of gender and race.

Expanding the Health Action and Process Approach to Predict Physical Activity in African Americans With HIV/AIDS

The current study investigated an expanded Health Action and Process Approach (HAPA) as a health-promotion model of physical activity/exercise behavior for African Americans living with HIV/AIDS. Predictions of physical activity/exercise participation were investigated among 110 African Americans living with HIV/AIDS. Results indicate the expanded HAPA model accounts for 35% of the variance in physical activity/exercise participation. The most significant predictor variables were symptom severity, outcome expectancy, and action and coping planning. Action and coping planning also partially mediated the relationship between physical activity/exercise intention and behavior. Results of the study provide partial support for the use of this expanded HAPA model in the design and implementation of health-promotion behavioral interventions targeting physical activity/exercise for Africana Americans with HIV/AIDS.

Psychosocial Predictors of Diet and Physical Activity in African-Americans: Results from the Delta Body and Soul Effectiveness Trial, 2010–2011

To examine associations among psychosocial constructs of behavior change and postintervention changes in diet and physical activity (PA). Quasi-experimental with cluster (church) treatment assignment. Churches (n = 8) in a rural, southern region of the United States. A total of 403 African-American adults participating in the Delta Body and Soul study. Six-month diet and PA intervention consisting of monthly didactic educational sessions with specific emphasis on increasing consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and decreasing consumption of added sugars. Self-directed PA was promoted throughout the intervention. Validated surveys for all dietary, PA, and psychosocial measures. Secondary analysis using generalized linear mixed models to test for significant intervention effects on psychosocial constructs and for significant associations between changes in psychosocial constructs and changes in diet and PA outcomes after controlling for covariates. Intervention effects were apparent for several dietary psychosocial constructs (improvements ranging from .5 to 2.0 points), but only one PA construct (decisional balance for exercise). Changes in psychosocial constructs, including self-efficacy, social support, and decisional balance, were significant predictors of dietary outcome changes (model coefficients ranging from .03 to .42), but not PA changes. Understanding which psychosocial constructs predict improvements in dietary and PA behaviors helps inform theoretical mechanisms of action and identify social and behavioral processes to target in faith-based interventions.

Physical activity and obesity in African Americans: the Jackson Heart Study.

To better understand how obesity and low levels of physical activity (PA) contribute to racial health disparities, we examined the association of PA domains (work, home life, and leisure) with indicators of socioeconomic status and markers of obesity in African Americans. These cross sectional analyses of interview and clinical measures from the baseline visit of the Jackson Heart Study of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in African Americans of the Jackson, Mississippi metropolitan statistical area included 3,174 women and 1,830 men aged 21-95 years. The main measures were active living, sport, work, home life, and total PA scores; participation in regular moderate or vigorous intensity leisure physical activity (MVLPA); demographics, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and CVD risk factors. The sample was 63% female, 81% high school or college graduates, with 51% aged 45-64 years, and mostly overweight (32%) or obese (53%). Women were less active than men in all domains except home life. Total PA was inversely associated with WC in women and men. The overweight (BMI 25-29.9) group was most active in all domains except work; active living and sport PA and prevalence of MVLPA then declined in a dose response association with increasing BMI. Work PA was associated with the lowest BMI but otherwise with indicators of less favorable socioeconomic status and health. Observed differences in PA in African Americans by domain and association with obesity biomarkers suggest areas for future study and intervention to reduce health disparities.

Rates of Physical Activity in African Americans by Hypertension Status

Rates of Physical Activity in African Americans by Hypertension Status

Validation of the Jackson Heart Study Physical Activity Survey in African Americans

Physical inactivity has been consistently linked to cardiovascular disease, yet few instruments have been validated for assessment of physical activity in African Americans, a group particularly vulnerable to heart disease. The current study aimed to establish the psychometric properties of the activity survey used in the Jackson Heart Study (JHS) among African Americans, the JHS Physical Activity Cohort survey (JPAC). Test-retest reliability over 2 weeks was assessed using a convenience sample of 40 African Americans. Convergent validity with accelerometer and pedometer data were assessed in 2 samples from the JHS (N = 404 and 294, respectively). Test-retest reliability was excellent, with intraclass correlations = .99 for the JPAC total and index scores. Higher JPAC total scores were significantly associated with higher raw accelerometer and pedometer counts. Spearman correlations between JPAC total scores and accelerometer (rho = .24) and pedometer counts (rho = .32) were consistent with these results. Most subscales were significantly correlated with the objective measures. The JPAC total score was most strongly associated with objectively-measured activity. This study provides support for the reliability and validity of the JPAC as a tool for assessing physical activity among African Americans across a variety of domains.

Understanding physical activity participation in members of an African American church: a qualitative study

Faith-based interventions hold promise for increasing physical activity (PA) and thereby reducing health disparities. This paper examines the perceived influences on PA participation, the link between spirituality and health behaviors and the role of the church in promoting PA in African Americans. Participants (n = 44) were adult members of African American churches in South Carolina. In preparation for a faith-based intervention, eight focus groups were conducted with sedentary or underactive participants. Groups were stratified by age (<55 years versus >or=55 years), geography and gender. Four general categories were determined from the focus groups: spirituality, barriers, enablers and desired PA programs. Personal, social, community and environmental barriers and enablers were described by both men and women, with no apparent differences by age. Additionally, both men and women mentioned aerobics, walking programs, sports and classes specifically for older adults as PA programs they would like available at church. This study provides useful information for understanding the attitudes and experiences with exercise among African Americans, and provides a foundation for promoting PA through interventions with this population by incorporating spirituality, culturally specific activities and social support within the church.

Working with Faith-Based Communities to Promote Physical Activity in African Americans

Working with Faith-Based Communities to Promote Physical Activity in African Americans