This feasibility study specifically addresses the issue of adapting US dietary guidelines physical activity recommendations to the population of the Lower Mississippi Delta. The hypothesis is that including a pedometer as a self-monitoring tool as part of adapted physical activity guidelines will result in greater immediate increases in physical activity (as monitored by an accelerometer) than an education program alone.

The purpose of this study was to determine if a short-term pedometer-based intervention results in immediate increases in time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) compared to a minimal educational intervention.A sample of 43 overweight adults 35 to 64 years of age participated in a one week pedometer-based feasibility trial monitored by accelerometry. Participants were randomized into a one-week education-only group or a group that also wore a pedometer. Accelerometer-measured MVPA was measured over 7 days at baseline and post-intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 35 to 64 years of age
• body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 34.9 kg/m2
• being able to walk without limitation

Exclusion Criteria:

• cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, neuromuscular, neurological, or psychiatric problems; musculoskeletal problems interfering with exercise
• immunodeficiency problems
• malignancies in the last 5 years
• any other medical condition or life threatening disease that could be aggravated by exercise