This is a FIRST application for a randomized trial of churches in East Baltimore testing a self-help, minimal intervention compared with an intensive physical activity intervention. The investigator will evaluate the effectiveness of a six-month moderate-intensity physical activity intervention for increasing total daily energy expenditure of sedentary African-American women who are between the age of 50 and 70 years. The goal of the intervention is to increase total daily energy expenditure by 150 kilocalories per day and time spent in moderate-intensity physical activity by 30 minutes per day. Effects of increased physical activity on selected cardiovascular risk factors (e.g., peak oxygen uptake, blood pressure, HDL cholesterol, serum insulin and plasma glucose) will also be determined. Six churches will be randomized into intensive or minimal intervention status, and 33 women per church will be recruited, for a total of 100 women in each condition. The physical activity intervention will consist of twice-weekly aerobics classes conducted at the churches and additional group-and home-based programming. Volunteer lay leaders will be trained as neighborhood exercise specialists to supplement certified aerobics instructors in conducting the intervention. The proposed study will fill an existing gap by examining how a culturally sensitive physical activity intervention conducted in a community setting is associated with increased daily energy expenditure in African American women -- a group of women who are sedentary and at risk for health problems for which regular physical activity can provide benefits. Also, a great deal should be learned about assessment of physical activity in this subpopulation as well.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
First Independent Research Support & Transition (FIRST) Awards (R29)
Project #
5R29HL056968-03
Application #
2771535
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG2-SSP (01))
Project Start
1996-09-01
Project End
2000-08-31
Budget Start
1998-09-01
Budget End
1999-08-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
1998
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Johns Hopkins University
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
045911138
City
Baltimore
State
MD
Country
United States
Zip Code
21218
Genkinger, Jeanine M; Jehn, Megan L; Sapun, Marcella et al. (2006) Does weight status influence perceptions of physical activity barriers among African-American women? Ethn Dis 16:78-84
Young, Deborah Rohm; Stewart, Kerry J (2006) A church-based physical activity intervention for African American women. Fam Community Health 29:103-17
Young, Deborah Rohm; He, Xiaoxing; Genkinger, Jeanine et al. (2004) Health status among urban African American women: associations among well-being, perceived stress, and demographic factors. J Behav Med 27:63-76
Young, Deborah Rohm; King, Abby C; Sheehan, Mary et al. (2002) Stage of motivational readiness: predictive ability for exercise behavior. Am J Health Behav 26:331-41
Young, D R; Jee, S H; Appel, L J (2001) A comparison of the Yale Physical Activity Survey with other physical activity measures. Med Sci Sports Exerc 33:955-61
Young, D R; Gittelsohn, J; Charleston, J et al. (2001) Motivations for exercise and weight loss among African-American women: focus group results and their contribution towards program development. Ethn Health 6:227-45
Young, D R; Miller, K W; Wilder, L B et al. (1998) Physical activity patterns of urban African Americans. J Community Health 23:99-112