Identifier

etd-06282005-170859

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Psychology

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

Although physical inactivity is associated with numerous medical conditions, most individuals do not engage in recommended levels of physical activity. Certain subgroups of the population are particularly inactive, including women, African Americans, and individuals with lower income and less education. While research suggests that interventions targeting physical activity can produce significant improvements in activity and cardiorespiratory fitness, there is less research examining physical activity interventions for these at-risk groups. In particular, there is a lack of research examining primary care physical activity interventions among low-income, African American women. The purpose of the current study was to examine the effects of a physician-delivered physical activity intervention that served as part of a multi-component weight loss intervention for predominantly low-income, African American women. Current results suggest that the primary care intervention did not produce significant improvements in physical activity as measured by self-reported activity. Also, the intervention was not associated with improved cardiorespiratory fitness as measured by heart rate recovery following a brief exercise. However, a significantly greater proportion of intervention participants achieved current activity recommendations of at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity. Over 90% of intervention participants achieved this level of activity at post-treatment compared with approximately 77% of standard care participants, χ2(1, N = 139) = 4.70, p < .03. These mixed results highlight the need for continued research examining physical activity interventions implemented in primary care settings as well as programs targeting low-income, African Americans.

Date

2005

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Phillip J. Brantley

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_dissertations.3126

Included in

Psychology Commons

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