Smart Walk: A Physical Activity Program for African American Women

Smart Walk: A Physical Activity Program for African American Women

The purpose of this project is to test an 8-month, culturally relevant, Smartphone-delivered PA program to improve and maintain high physical levels and reduce cardiometabolic disease risk among obese AA women.

A three-phase study will be used to refine and implement an established theory-based culturally relevant physical activity promotion intervention for obese African American women. Phase 1 (Aim 1a) will include formative research where 25 African American women provide feedback (via 9 focus groups) to further refine the physical activity intervention by specifying the deep structure cultural relevance of the theoretical mediators of self-regulation, self-efficacy, social support, behavioral capability, and outcome expectations.5 Phase 2 will focus on technical development of the refined culturally tailored intervention and 1-month demonstration trial of the Smartphone-delivered physical activity promotion program. Phase 3 (Aims 1b and 1c) will test the intervention and delivery strategy in a two-arm randomized trial where 60 sedentary, obese African American women will receive either the 8-month culturally relevant smartphone-delivered physical activity intervention or a 8-month wellness contact control condition

Inclusion Criteria:

• Self-reported African American
• Insufficiently Active ( 60 mins or less of PA per wk measured by Exercise Vital Sign Questionnaire)
• BMI>30
• English speaking and reading
• Own non-Kindle Smartphone iOS 7 or above, or Android 2.3 or above

Exclusion Criteria:

• Concurrent participation in another physical activity, nutrition, or weight loss program
• Endorsement of an item on the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) unless physical note is provided
• Pregnant or plans to become pregnant in next 12 months
• Plans to relocate out of Phoenix area in next 12 months