Energy expenditure and physiological markers during a city mountain hike in the heat: A case study.

Background: Energy expenditure may be difficult to assess when hiking difficult trails. Case presentation: We measured physical activity exercise energy expenditure (PAEE) directly from oxygen uptake using a mobile device (cardiopulmonary exercise testing, CPET), and by using a formula based on heart rate (HR), or metabolic equivalent values from the Compendium of Physical Activity, and other physiological outcomes. Outcomes and implications: Total PAEE (1342 kcal) using CPET showed a two-fold difference between ascending and descending (887 vs. 455 kcal) during a 124-min hike. For HR, PAEE was 1893kcal (+551 kcal overreporting), while compendium-based scenarios ranged from 1179 to 1446 kcal, which was in closer range (-163 to +104 kcal/min) compared to the CPET data. Fluid consumption was 1300 mL/hour, with 1.1% bodyweight loss, peak skin temperature of 35.2°C and core body temperature of 39.2°C. Recommendations: Tables reasonably predict energy expenditure while not precisely reflecting the actual situation.

2024 Adult Compendium of Physical Activities: A third update of the energy costs of human activities.

BACKGROUND: The Compendium of Physical Activities was published in 1993 to improve the comparability of energy expenditure values assigned to self-reported physical activity (PA) across studies. The original version was updated in 2000, and again in 2011, and has been widely used to support PA research, practice, and public health guidelines. METHODS: This 2024 update was tailored for adults 19-59 years of age by removing data from those ≥60 years. Using a systematic review and supplementary searches, we identified new activities and their associated measured metabolic equivalent (MET) values (using indirect calorimetry) published since 2011. We replaced estimated METs with measured values when possible. RESULTS: We screened 32,173 abstracts and 1507 full-text papers and extracted 2356 PA energy expenditure values from 701 papers. We added 303 new PAs and adjusted 176 existing MET values and descriptions to reflect the addition of new data and removal of METs for older adults. We added a Major Heading (Video Games). The 2024 Adult Compendium includes 1114 PAs (912 with measured and 202 with estimated values) across 22 Major Headings. CONCLUSION: This comprehensive update and refinement led to the creation of The 2024 Adult Compendium, which has utility across research, public health, education, and healthcare domains, as well as in the development of consumer health technologies. The new website with the complete lists of PAs and supporting resources is available at https://pacompendium.com.

Older Adult Compendium of Physical Activities: Energy costs of human activities in adults aged 60 and older.

PURPOSE: To describe the development of a Compendium for estimating the energy costs of activities in adults ≥60 years (OA Compendium). METHODS: Physical activities (PAs) and their metabolic equivalent of task (MET) values were obtained from a systematic search of studies published in 4 sport and exercise databases (PubMed, Embase, SPORTDiscus (EBSCOhost), and Scopus) and a review of articles included in the 2011 Adult Compendium that measured PA in older adults. MET values were computed as the oxygen cost (VO2, mL/kg/min) during PA divided by 2.7 mL/kg/min (MET60+) to account for the lower resting metabolic rate in older adults. RESULTS: We identified 68 articles and extracted energy expenditure data on 427 PAs. From these, we derived 99 unique Specific Activity codes with corresponding MET60+ values for older adults. We developed a website to present the OA Compendium MET60+ values: https://pacompendium.com. CONCLUSION: The OA Compendium uses data collected from adults ≥60 years for more accurate estimation of the energy cost of PAs in older adults. It is an accessible resource that will allow researchers, educators, and practitioners to find MET60+ values for older adults for use in PA research and practice.

2024 Wheelchair Compendium of Physical Activities: An update of activity codes and energy expenditure values.

PURPOSE: This paper presents an update of the 2011 Wheelchair Compendium of Physical Activities designed for wheelchair users and is referred to as the 2024 Wheelchair Compendium. The Wheelchair Compendium aims to curate existing knowledge of the energy expenditure for wheelchair physical activities (PAs). METHODS: A systematic review of the published energy expenditure of PA for wheelchair users was completed between 2011 and May 2023. We added these data to the 2011 Wheelchair Compendium data that was compiled previously in a systematic review through 2011. RESULTS: A total of 47 studies were included, and 124 different wheelchair PA reported energy expenditure values ranging from 0.8 metabolic equivalents for wheelchair users (filing papers, light effort) to 11.8 metabolic equivalents for wheelchair users (Nordic sit skiing). CONCLUSION: In introducing the updated 2024 Wheelchair Compendium, we hope to bridge the resource gap and challenge the prevailing narratives that inadvertently exclude wheelchair users from physical fitness and health PAs.

Energy Costs of Chair Sitting and Standing Video Exercises in Chinese Older Adults Over 60 Years.

Home-based video exercise interventions improve older adults' physiological performance and functional capacity. Little is known about the energy costs of video exercises in older adults. The Compendium of Physical Activities (PAs) has few items with PA metabolic equivalents (METs) in older adults. This study measured the energy costs of four chair and two standing exercises (sitting Tai Chi, Yoga, mobility ball, aerobics: standing, slow aerobics, and fast aerobics). Fifteen females and 14 males, 62-87 years (M ± SD, 73 ± 7.7 years), were categorized into three age groups (60-69, 70-79, 80-89). Oxygen uptake (VO2, ml·min-1·kg-1) and heart rate (HR, b·min-1) were measured by indirect calorimetry and heart rate monitor. MET values were calculated as standard- (activity VO2/3.5), rounded- (significant digit rounded to 0, 3, 5, 8), and corrected METs (individual resting metabolism). Results showed chair Yoga, Tai Chi, and mobility ball ranged from 2.0 to 2.8 rounded METs (light intensity). Chair- and standing aerobics ranged from 3.0 to 4.3 rounded METs (moderate intensity). Averaged HR ranged from 91.9 ± 12.7 b·min-1 to 115.4 ± 19.1 b·min-1 for all PAs. Corrected METs were higher than standard METs (P < .05). Standard METs were similar between age groups (P > .05). In conclusion, this study is unique as it measures the energy costs of sitting and standing video exercises that can be performed by older adults at home or in an exercise facility. Knowing the energy costs of PAs for older adults can provide exercises interventions to prevent sedentary lifestyles.

Energy Costs of Household and Eldercare Activities in Young to Middle-Aged Chinese Adults.

BACKGROUND: The 2011 Compendium of Physical Activities provides metabolic equivalent (MET) values for household and eldercare activities (physical activities [PAs]). METs are from published studies, estimated if values are not published, or combined with other PAs with different METs in a single entry. Some PAs are missing from the Compendium. This study measures the energy costs for 15 household and eldercare PAs with estimated METs, PAs in combined entries, and new PAs. METHODS: Participants were 30 adults (14 males and 16 females), ages 22-58 years (33.7 [11.2] y). PAs were measured in a laboratory for 8 minutes with a 4-minute rest between PAs. A portable indirect calorimeter measured oxygen uptake (in milliliters per kilogram per minute). Standard METs were computed as activity VO2/3.5 mL·kg-1·min-1. RESULTS: Cooking, meal tasks, laundry, light cleaning, and watering plants ranged from 1.8 to 2.3 METs. Sweeping, walking, and carrying groceries and boxes on the ground and stairs ranged from 3.0 to 5.5 METs. Eldercare ranged from 1.8 to 3.0 METs. Measured METs differed from estimated values by ±0.3 to 2.2 METs. Most measured METs were lower than estimated METs. CONCLUSION: Updating estimated METs with measured values and separating PAs from combined entries increases the accuracy of household and eldercare PAs presented in the Compendium.

Energy Cost of Reclining, Sitting, and Standing Activities in Chinese Adults.

The 2011 Compendium presents MET values for sedentary behaviors (SBs) and light-intensity physical activities (LIPAs). Some entries have estimated METs, others have multiple activities in a single entry, and newer activities are not in the Compendium. Accurate MET values are needed to increase the validity and generalizability of the Compendium. This study measured and analyzed SBs and LIPAs' energy costs in reclining, sitting, standing postures, and fidgeting. Indirect calorimetry measured the energy costs (VO2, ml·kg-1.min-1) in 11 males and seven females (30.7 ± 7.6 y). Two groups of 9 participants each completed 17 randomly assigned activities (9 in group 1; 8 in group 2) for 5 minutes with a 2-minute rest between tasks. Standard METs were calculated as VO2 ml·kg-1.min-1/3.5 ml·kg-1.min-1. Results showed mean MET values for doing nothing (recline: 1.3, sit: 1.3. stand: 1.3); Watching TV on a mobile phone (recline: 1.3, sit: 1.3); Reading (recline; 1.5, sit: 1.0); Writing (recline: 1.5, sit: 1.3, stand: 1.3); Texting or viewing websites on a mobile phone (recline: 1.3, sit: 1.3, stand: 1.3); Fidgeting (sit hands only: 1.5, sit feet only: 1.8, stand hands and feet: 2.0); Typing (stand: 1.3). Measured vs. Compendium METs were the same for five SBs and LIPAs, higher for three SBs and LIPAs (by 0.2 METs), and lower for one SB (by 0.3 METs). In conclusion, the activities ranged from 1.0 to 2.0 METs, categorized as sedentary and light-intensity. Increasing the accuracy of Compendium MET values increases its utility for the correct classification of SB and LIPAs.

Identifying Free-Living Physical Activities Using Lab-Based Models with Wearable Accelerometers.

The purpose of this study was to classify, and model various physical activities performed by a diverse group of participants in a supervised lab-based protocol and utilize the model to identify physical activity in a free-living setting. Wrist-worn accelerometer data were collected from ( N = 152 ) adult participants; age 18⁻64 years, and processed the data to identify and model unique physical activities performed by the participants in controlled settings. The Gaussian mixture model (GMM) and the hidden Markov model (HMM) algorithms were used to model the physical activities with time and frequency-based accelerometer features. An overall model accuracy of 92.7% and 94.7% were achieved to classify 24 physical activities using GMM and HMM, respectively. The most accurate model was then used to identify physical activities performed by 20 participants, each recorded for two free-living sessions of approximately six hours each. The free-living activity intensities were estimated with 80% accuracy and showed the dominance of stationary and light intensity activities in 36 out of 40 recorded sessions. This work proposes a novel activity recognition process to identify unsupervised free-living activities using lab-based classification models. In summary, this study contributes to the use of wearable sensors to identify physical activities and estimate energy expenditure in free-living settings.

Energy Cost Expression for a Youth Compendium of Physical Activities: Rationale for Using Age Groups.

PURPOSE: This study compared the accuracy of physical activity energy expenditure (PAEE) prediction using 2 methods of accounting for age dependency versus 1 standard (single) value across all ages. METHODS: PAEE estimates were derived by pooling data from 5 studies. Participants, 6-18 years (n = 929), engaged in 14 activities while in a room calorimeter or wearing a portable metabolic analyzer. Linear regression was used to estimate the measurement error in PAEE (expressed as youth metabolic equivalent) associated with using age groups (6-9, 10-12, 13-15, and 16-18 y) and age-in-years [each year of chronological age (eg, 12 = 12.0-12.99 y)] versus the standard (a single value across all ages). RESULTS: Age groups and age-in-years showed similar error, and both showed less error than the standard method for cycling, skilled, and moderate- to vigorous-intensity activities. For sedentary and light activities, the standard had similar error to the other 2 methods. Mean values for root mean square error ranged from 0.2 to 1.7 youth metabolic equivalent across all activities. Error reduction ranged from -0.2% to 21.7% for age groups and -0.23% to 18.2% for age-in-years compared with the standard. CONCLUSIONS: Accounting for age showed lower errors than a standard (single) value; using an age-dependent model in the Youth Compendium is recommended.

Acculturation and Physical Activity Among Latinas Enrolled in a 12-Month Walking Intervention.

This report evaluates the relationship between acculturation and assimilation with the physical activity (PA) outcomes of a 12-month walking intervention for postpartum Latinas ( n = 81, M age = 29.2 years, M BMI [body mass index] = 30.0). PA was measured by ActiGraph GT1M accelerometers. Acculturation and assimilation were measured by the Hazuda Acculturation and Assimilation Scales. Data were collected at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Results showed a trend for participants classified in the least acculturated groups to engage in more moderate-to-vigorous PA than participants classified in the higher acculturated/assimilated groups for two dimensions of acculturation (Adult Proficiency in English Versus Spanish, p = .002; Adult Pattern of English Versus Spanish Language Usage, p = .001) and two dimensions of assimilation (Childhood Interaction With Members of Mainstream Society, p = .028; Adult Functional Integration With Mainstream Society, p ≤ .001). No other significant effects were observed. Findings highlight the continued need to understand the context in which acculturation and assimilation influence PA.

Utility of Social Cognitive Theory in Intervention Design for Promoting Physical Activity among African-American Women: A Qualitative Study.

OBJECTIVE: We examined the cultural relevance of Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) in the design of a physical activity intervention for African-American women. METHODS: A qualitative study design was used. Twenty-five African-American women (Mean age = 38.5 years, Mean BMI = 39.4 kg·m2) were enrolled in a series of focus groups (N = 9) to elucidate how 5 SCT constructs (ie, Behavioral Capability, Outcome Expectations, Self-efficacy, Self-regulation, Social Support) can be culturally tailored in the design of a physical activity program for African-American women. RESULTS: For the construct of Behavioral Capability, participants were generally unaware of the amount, intensity, and types of physical activity needed for health benefits. Outcome Expectations associated with physical activity included increased energy, improved health, weight loss, and positive role modeling behaviors. Constructs of Self-efficacy and Self-regulation were elicited through the women perceiving themselves as a primary barrier to physical activity. Participants endorsed the need of a strong social support component and identified a variety of acceptable sources to include in a physical activity program (ie, family, friends, other program participants). CONCLUSIONS: Findings explicate the utility of SCT as a behavioral change theoretical basis for tailoring physical activity programs to African-American women.

Designing Culturally Relevant Physical Activity Programs for African-American Women: A Framework for Intervention Development.

BACKGROUND: African-American women perform low levels of physical activity and are disproportionally burdened by associated cardiometabolic disease conditions (i.e., 57 % are obese, 49 % have cardiovascular disease). The marked health disparities among African-American women indicate the need for innovative strategies to promote physical activity to help attenuate the chronic disease health disparities in this high-risk population. Culturally tailoring physical activity programs to address the sociocultural norms, values, beliefs, and behaviors of African-American women is an advantageous strategy to enhance physical activity promotion efforts. The purpose of this article is to discuss critical aspects for researchers to consider when designing physical activity programs for African-American women and to present a conceptual framework to guide intervention development. METHODS: Development of the framework was based on our previous physical activity research with African-American women, seminal literature on the topics of cultural adaptation and health promotion, sociological and theoretical perspectives on the role of women in African-American culture, and key determinants of physical activity engagement among African-American women. RESULTS: Three key concepts are discussed in the conceptual framework: (1) Developmental milestones and life stage transitions of African-American women; (2) Historical, social, and cultural influences associated with physical activity engagement; and (3) Intervention delivery strategies. DISCUSSION: Using the framework to guide intervention development has the potential to enhance the physical activity and health outcomes of a physical activity program for African-American women.

Wearable monitors criterion validity for energy expenditure in sedentary and light activities.

Background: Wearable monitors (WMs) are used to estimate the time spent in sedentary behaviors (SBs) and light-intensity physical activities (LPAs) and their associated energy cost; however, the accuracy of WMs in measuring behaviors on the lower end of the intensity spectrum is unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of 3 WMs (ActiGraph GT3X+; activPAL, and SenseWear 2) in estimating the intensity of SB and LPA in adults as compared with the criterion measure of oxygen uptake (VO2) measured by indirect calorimetry. Methods: Sixteen participants (age: 25.38 ± 8.58 years) wore the ActiGraph GT3X+, activPAL, and SenseWear 2 devices during 7 sedentary-to-light activities. VO2 (mL/kg/min) was estimated by means of a portable gas analyzer, Oxycon Mobile (Carefusion, Yorba Linda, CA, USA). All data were transformed into metabolic equivalents and analyzed using mean percentage error, equivalence plots, Bland-Altman plots, kappa statistics, and sensitivity/specificity. Results: Mean percentage error was lowest for the activPAL for SB (14.9%) and LPA (9.3%) compared with other WMs, which were >21.2%. None of the WMs fell within the equivalency range of ±10% of the criterion mean value. Bland-Altman plots revealed narrower levels of agreement with all WMs for SB than for LPA. Kappa statistics were low for all WMs, and sensitivity and specificity varied by WM type. Conclusion: None of the WMs tested in this study were equivalent with the criterion measure (VO2) in estimating sedentary-to-light activities; however, the activPAL had greater overall accuracy in measuring SB and LPA than did the ActiGraph and SenseWear 2 monitors.

Strategic Priorities for Physical Activity Surveillance in the United States.

PURPOSE: Develop strategic priorities to guide future physical activity surveillance in the United States. METHODS: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Sports Medicine convened a scientific roundtable of physical activity and measurement experts. Participants summarized the current state of aerobic physical activity surveillance for adults, focusing on practice and research needs in three areas: 1) behavior, 2) human movement, and 3) community supports. Needs and challenges for each area were identified. At the conclusion of the meeting, experts identified one overarching strategy and five strategic priorities to guide future surveillance. RESULTS: The identified overarching strategy was to develop a national plan for physical activity surveillance similar to the U.S. National Physical Activity Plan for promotion. The purpose of the plan would be to enhance coordination and collaboration within and between sectors, such as transportation and public health, and to address specific strategic priorities identified at the roundtable. These strategic priorities were used 1) to identify and prioritize physical activity constructs; 2) to assess the psychometric properties of instruments for physical activity surveillance; 3) to provide training and technical assistance for those collecting, analyzing, or interpreting surveillance data; 4) to explore accessing data from alternative sources; and 5) to improve communication, translation, and dissemination about estimates of physical activity from surveillance systems. CONCLUSION: This roundtable provided strategic priorities for physical activity surveillance in the United States. A first step is to develop a national plan for physical activity surveillance that would provide an operating framework from which to execute these priorities.

Recruiting Participants into Pilot Trials: Techniques for Researchers with Shoestring Budgets.

Limited research has focused on recruitment strategies for health promotion researchers conducting small-scale pilot studies. Such research is important because small studies often have limited funding streams and personnel resources. Accordingly, many techniques implemented by large-scale studies are of limited use to smaller research projects. This article provides an overview effective participant recruitment techniques for pilot studies with limited funds and personnel resources. Recruitment techniques were derived from the first author's experience in recruiting participants during his doctoral and postdoctoral studies, the over 25 years of research experience of each of the co-authors, and an extensive review of the literature. Five key recruitment techniques are discussed: 1) leverage existing social networks and personal contacts, 2) identify and foster collaborations with community gatekeepers, 3) develop a comprehensive list of potential recruitment platforms and venues, 4) create recruitment materials that succinctly describe the purpose of the study, and 5) build respectful and trusting relationships with potential participants. Implementation of the proposed techniques can lead to enhanced recruitment, as well as retention among study participants.

Validity of two brief physical activity questionnaires with accelerometers among African-American women.

AIM: To evaluate the validity of the Stanford Brief Activity Survey (SBAS) and Exercise Vital Sign (EVS) questionnaire against accelerometer-determined time in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among African-American (AA) women. BACKGROUND: Limited research has evaluated the validity of brief physical activity (PA) questionnaires among AA women. Since the validity of PA questionnaires may differ among members of varying racial/ethnic groups, research is needed to explore the validity of self-report PA measures among AA women. METHODS: A total of 30 AA women [M age = 35.5 ± 5.3; M body mass index (BMI) = 31.1 ± 7.8] wore ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers (ActiGraph, LLC, Pensacola FL, USA) for seven days and completed both the SBAS and EVS at two different assessment periods (T1 and T2). Criterion validity was calculated using Spearman's rank order correlations between each questionnaire score and accelerometer-measured MVPA. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated using accelerometer-measured MVPA as the criterion to determine the ability of each questionnaire to predict whether or not a participant was meeting the 2008 US PA Guidelines. FINDINGS: Spearman correlation coefficients between questionnaire scores and minutes of accelerometer-measured MVPA were low (EVS, r = 0.27 at T1 and r = 0.26 at T2; SBAS, r = 0.10 at T1 and r = 0.28 at T2) and not statistically significant (P's > 0.05). The EVS had sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values of 27, 89, 59, and 68% at T1 and 33, 74, 38, and 70% at T2, respectively. The SBAS had sensitivity, specificity, and negative and positive predictive values were 18, 79, 33, and 62% at T1 and 67, 58, 43, and 79% at T2. While both questionnaires may be useful in identifying AA women who do not meet the 2008 PA Guidelines, using the questionnaires to identify AA women meeting the PA Guidelines should be done with caution.

Energy expenditure and cardiovascular responses to Tai Chi Easy.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cardiorespiratory response and energy expenditure during the practice of Tai Chi Easy (TCE). TCE has been proposed as a low-intensity alternative to traditional physical activity. DESIGN: Oxygen cost data were collected from 10 healthy adult women (mean age of 47.9 ± 12.8 years) at rest and during a 30-min session of TCE using an automated metabolic cart and heart rate (HR) telemetry. The Borg rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale was utilized to measure subjective intensity of the TCE movements. RESULTS: The mean oxygen consumption (VO(2)) for the movements ranged from 4.3 ml kg(-1)min(-1) to 5.5 ml kg(-1)min(-1) with an overall mean of 5.0 ml kg(-1)min(-1). The mean HR for all activity was 67.0 beats per minute and the mean energy expenditure (EE) was 1.6 Kcal min(-1). CONCLUSIONS: Cardiorespiratory and EE responses to TCE indicate that this a low intensity exercise appropriate for individuals requiring activity prescriptions of approximately 2 metabolic equivalents (METs).

Physical activity promotion in the primary care setting in pre- and type 2 diabetes - the Sophia step study, an RCT.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity prevents or delays progression of impaired glucose tolerance in high-risk individuals. Physical activity promotion should serve as a basis in diabetes care. It is necessary to develop and evaluate health-promoting methods that are feasible as well as cost-effective within diabetes care. The aim of Sophia Step Study is to evaluate the impact of a multi-component and a single component physical activity intervention aiming at improving HbA1c (primary outcome) and other metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors, physical activity levels and overall health in patients with pre- and type 2 diabetes. METHODS/DESIGN: Sophia Step Study is a randomized controlled trial and participants are randomly assigned to either a multi-component intervention group (A), a pedometer group (B) or a control group (C). In total, 310 patients will be included and followed for 24 months. Group A participants are offered pedometers and a website to register steps, physical activity on prescription with yearly follow-ups, motivational interviewing (10 occasions) and group consultations (including walks, 12 occasions). Group B participants are offered pedometers and a website to register steps. Group C are offered usual care. The theoretical framework underpinning the interventions is the Health Belief Model, the Stages of Change Model, and the Social Cognitive Theory. Both the multi-component intervention (group A) and the pedometer intervention (group B) are using several techniques for behavior change such as self-monitoring, goal setting, feedback and relapse prevention. Measurements are made at week 0, 8, 12, 16, month 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24, including metabolic and cardiovascular biomarkers (HbA1c as primary health outcome), accelerometry and daily steps. Furthermore, questionnaires were used to evaluate dietary intake, physical activity, perceived ability to perform physical activity, perceived support for being active, quality of life, anxiety, depression, well-being, perceived treatment, perceived stress and diabetes self- efficacy. DISCUSSION: This study will show if a multi-component intervention using pedometers with group- and individual consultations is more effective than a single- component intervention using pedometers alone, in increasing physical activity and improving HbA1c, other metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors, physical activity levels and overall health in patients with pre- and type 2 diabetes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02374788 . Registered 28 January 2015.

Print versus a culturally-relevant Facebook and text message delivered intervention to promote physical activity in African American women: a randomized pilot trial.

BACKGROUND: African American women report insufficient physical activity and are disproportionally burdened by associated disease conditions; indicating the need for innovative approaches to promote physical activity in this underserved population. Social media platforms (i.e. Facebook) and text messaging represent potential mediums to promote physical activity. This paper reports the results of a randomized pilot trial evaluating a theory-based (Social Cognitive Theory) multi-component intervention using Facebook and text-messages to promote physical activity among African American women. METHODS: Participants (N = 29) were randomly assigned to receive one of two multi-component physical activity interventions over 8 weeks: a culturally-relevant, Social Cognitive Theory-based, intervention delivered by Facebook and text message (FI) (n = 14), or a non-culturally tailored print-based intervention (PI) (n = 15) consisting of promotion brochures mailed to their home. The primary outcome of physical activity was assessed by ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers. Secondary outcomes included self-reported physical activity, physical activity-related psychosocial variables, and participant satisfaction. RESULTS: All randomized participants (N = 29) completed the study. Accelerometer measured physical activity showed that FI participants decreased sedentary time (FI = -74 minutes/week vs. PI = +118 minute/week) and increased light intensity (FI = +95 minutes/week vs. PI = +59 minutes/week) and moderate-lifestyle intensity physical activity (FI = + 27 minutes/week vs. PI = -34 minutes/week) in comparison to PI participants (all P's < .05). No between group differences for accelerometer measured moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity were observed (P > .05). Results of secondary outcomes showed that in comparison to the PI, FI participants self-reported greater increases in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (FI = +62 minutes/week vs. PI = +6 minutes/week; P = .015) and had greater enhancements in self-regulation for physical activity (P < .001) and social support from family for physical activity (P = .044). Satisfaction with the FI was also high: 100% reported physical activity-related knowledge gains and 100% would recommend the program to a friend. CONCLUSIONS: A culturally-relevant Facebook and text message delivered physical activity program was associated with several positive outcomes, including decreased sedentary behavior, increased light- and moderate-lifestyle intensity physical activity, enhanced psychosocial outcomes, and high participant satisfaction. Future studies with larger samples are warranted to further explore the efficacy of technology-based approaches to promote physical activity among African American women. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02372565 . Registered 25 February 2015.

Barriers to Physical Activity Among African American Women: An Integrative Review of the Literature.

A key aspect for researchers to consider when developing culturally appropriate physical activity (PA) interventions for African American (AA) women are the specific barriers AA women face that limit their participation in PA. Identification and critical examination of these barriers is the first step in developing comprehensive culturally relevant approaches to promote PA and help resolve PA-related health disparities in this underserved population. We conducted a systematic integrative literature review to identify barriers to PA among AA women. Five electronic databases were searched, and forty-two studies (twenty-seven qualitative, fourteen quantitative, one mixed method) published since 1990 (range 1998-2013) in English language journals met inclusion criteria for review. Barriers were classified as intrapersonal, interpersonal, or environment/community according to their respective level of influence within our social ecological framework. Intrapersonal barriers included lack of time, knowledge, and motivation; physical appearance concerns; health concerns; monetary cost of exercise facilities; and tiredness/fatigue. Interpersonal barriers included family/caregiving responsibilities; lack of social support; and lack of a PA partner. Environmental barriers included safety concerns; lack of facilities; weather concerns; lack of sidewalks; and lack of physically active AA role models. Results provide key leverage points for researchers to consider when developing culturally relevant PA interventions for AA women.