文章基本信息

标题：Effects of a Promotor-Based Intervention to Promote Physical Activity: Familias Sanas y Activas
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作者：Guadalupe X. Ayala ; the San Diego Prevention Research Center Team
期刊名称：American journal of public health
印刷版ISSN：0090-0036
出版年度：2011
卷号：101
期号：12
页码：2261-2268
DOI：10.2105/AJPH.2011.300273
语种：English
出版社：American Public Health Association
摘要：Objectives. This within-participants, single time-series study tested a train-the-trainer, promotor -based physical activity (PA) intervention to improve fitness and health indicators. Methods. Thirty unpaid promotores were trained to promote PA through free exercise classes. Measurements of 337 female community participants at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months assessed changes in health indicators, including systolic and diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, body mass index (defined as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters), aerobic fitness, and hamstring flexibility, as well as self-reported health indicators (PA, depression) and psychosocial factors (barriers, self-efficacy, and social support—all specific to PA). Results. Mixed effects models showed intervention participation improved systolic blood pressure ( P ≤ .001), waist circumference ( P ≤ .001), fitness ( P ≤ .001), and hamstring flexibility ( P ≤ .001). We also noted improvements in use of community resources ( P ≤ .05), depressed mood and anhedonia ( P ≤ .01), perceived barriers to be physically active ( P ≤ .05), and community support for PA ( P ≤ .001). Self-efficacy decreased ( P ≤ .05), and participation dose (i.e., exposure), as measured by attendance at exercise classes, was not associated with observed changes. Conclusions. Promotores can promote PA in their community and achieve meaningful changes in the residents' health. Latinos are the largest and fastest growing minority group in the United States¹ and are among the most overweight.² As in other populations, obesity contributes to several of the leading causes of illness and death, including heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes.^{3 , 4} Health disparities among Latinos need to be addressed. Physical activity (PA) is one method demonstrated to benefit health and improve quality of life.^{5 , 6} Engaging in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is also directly related to reducing one's risk for obesity.⁷ The benefits of 60 minutes per week of moderate-intensity PA on risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes are comparable to the benefits associated with vigorous-intensity PA.⁶ Despite its evident benefits, rates of MVPA are markedly low among Latinos.^{8 , 9} In previous research, few women in the target communities were found to meet recommendations for vigorous PA (30%), moderate PA (8.6%), or walking (46.4%).¹⁰ Only 25% of women in another study conducted in these same communities met PA recommendations.¹¹