Barriers and Facilitators to Muscle-Strengthening Activity Among Latinas in the U.S.: Results From Formative Research Assessments

BACKGROUND

Latinas are disproportionately affected by low physical activity (PA) levels and related health conditions (e.g., diabetes, obesity). Few Latinas in the U.S. (17%) meet the National PA Guidelines for both aerobic PA and muscle-strengthening activity (MSA), yet, research to date in this population has focused almost exclusively on aerobic PA. Performing regular MSA is linked with numerous health improvements and reduced mortality; thus, may be key to addressing health disparities in this community. This study examined perspectives on engaging in MSA among Latinas enrolled in two aerobic PA RCTs.

METHODS

Brief quantitative surveys were conducted to assess interest in MSA among Latinas (N = 81), along with 19 follow-up in-depth semi-structured interviews on knowledge, barriers, and facilitators for engaging in regular MSA. Interview transcripts were analyzed by two independent bilingual researchers using a directed content analysis approach.

RESULTS

Eighty-one Latinas (18-65 years) completed the survey. Most (91%) expressed interest in learning more about MSA and 60% reported not knowing how to do MSA as a substantial MSA barrier. Interview results indicated Latinas were aware of health benefits of MSA and motivated to engage in MSA but reported barriers (e.g., perception that MSA is for men, a taboo topic, and lack of knowledge on how to do MSA).

CONCLUSION

This study contributes to a critical gap in PA research among Latinas. Findings will inform future culturally appropriate MSA interventions in this at-risk population. Addressing MSA and aerobic PA together in future interventions will provide a more comprehensive approach to reducing PA-related health disparities in Latinas than aerobic PA alone.

Pasos Hacia La Salud II: A Superiority RCT Utilizing Technology to Promote Physical Activity in Latinas

INTRODUCTION

Latinas face an increased risk for chronic diseases associated with insufficient physical activity (PA). The researchers previously showed that a website-based intervention could increase PA among insufficiently active Latinas, yet rates of meeting national PA guidelines were low. The original intervention was enhanced by adding additional features, content, and points of contact, including via text messaging. This study tests the efficacy of the enhanced intervention compared with the original, aimed at maximizing and sustaining PA gains across 24 months. It also examines if increases in PA differed by baseline PA.

STUDY DESIGN

The researchers conducted a superiority randomized controlled trial (data collected 2018-2022, analyzed 2023).

SETTING/PARTICIPANTS

Participants were 195 Spanish-speaking Latinas ages 18-65 in the Providence, RI area.

INTERVENTION

The original intervention is an empirically supported Spanish-language, individually-tailored, website-delivered PA intervention. The enhanced intervention includes text messaging and additional data-driven content and interactive features.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Total weekly minutes of moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) was measured via accelerometry and self-report at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months.

RESULTS

Participants in both groups increased their MVPA over 24 months. There were no significant between-group differences at 6 or 12 months; at 18 months the enhanced intervention group had higher levels of self-reported (mean (sd): 90.35 (43.55) vs 70.18 [9.99]) and accelerometer-measured (66.21 [18.26] vs 60.27 [16.00]) MVPA compared to the original intervention group. They also had higher levels of self-reported (111.17 [23.35] vs 81.44 [1.82]) and accelerometer-measured (63.76 [15.12] vs 54.86 [14.59]) MVPA at 24 months. Baseline PA moderated the intervention effect.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the potential to enhance the efficacy of website-based PA interventions by utilizing text messaging, and adding more interactive features, content, and phone support. These enhancements may be particularly beneficial in supporting long-term PA maintenance.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study is registered at www.

CLINICALTRIAL

gov (NCT03491592).

Increases in Muscle-Strengthening Activities Among Latinas in Seamos Saludables

BACKGROUND

Only 17% of Latinas meet national physical activity (PA) guidelines for both moderate-to-vigorous aerobic and muscle-strengthening PA. Additional health benefits are derived from the combination of aerobic and muscle-strengthening PA (vs. aerobic alone), yet there is paucity in research on muscle-strengthening activity in Latinas. The aim of this study was to examine changes in muscle-strengthening activity from baseline to 6 and 12 months in Seamos Saludables, a 12-month PA randomized controlled trial for Latinas.

METHODS

A secondary data analysis was conducted among 131 Latinas ages 18-65 years, who were randomized to either a PA Intervention or a Wellness Control. Self-reported muscle-strengthening exercise was measured at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months via adapted muscle-strengthening questions from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

RESULTS

There was a 16-minute/week difference in median minute/week of muscle-strengthening activity between Intervention and Wellness at 6 months (SE = 7.91, p = .04) and 45-minute/week difference at 12 months (SE = 25.80, p = .06) adjusting for baseline. Significantly more PA Intervention participants met muscle-strengthening guidelines of 2 or more days/week at 6 months versus Wellness Control participants (odds ratio [OR] = 4.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.03, 17.84]).

CONCLUSION

Results from the current study showed that Latinas engaged in muscle-strengthening activity in an intervention that emphasized primarily aerobic PA outcomes, suggesting they may be interested in engaging in muscle-strengthening activities. Future interventions targeting both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity could achieve greater health improvements and help more Latinas reach the full national PA guidelines.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier. NCT01583140.

Psychosocial Correlates of Meeting National Guidelines for Muscle-Strengthening Activities in Latinas

BACKGROUND

Performing regular muscle-strengthening activity has numerous health benefits, including improvements in blood pressure, hemoglobin A1c, and lean body mass. Despite the disproportionate prevalence of lifestyle-related chronic disease in Latinas (diabetes, hypertension, obesity), most do not report meeting the national guidelines for muscle-strengthening activity. Existing physical activity (PA) research in Latinas has focused almost exclusively on aerobic PA. Our study examined Latinas' sociodemographic and psychosocial correlates of meeting muscle-strengthening PA guidelines that can inform future PA interventions.

METHOD

A cross-sectional study of participants (N = 436) enrolled in a randomized controlled trial promoting PA and cancer screening in Latinas was conducted, and t tests examined the associations between sociodemographic and psychosocial factors with self-reported muscle-strengthening activities. Hierarchical regression was conducted in separate blocks guided by the socioecological model (sociodemographic, individual, and interpersonal factors) to examine the independent contribution of each block to the outcome of meeting national guidelines for muscle-strengthening PA.

RESULTS

Participants who met the national PA guidelines of ≥2 days/week of muscle-strengthening activities reported significantly higher social support for PA (p < .001), greater use of behavioral strategies for PA (p < .001), and lower barriers to PA (p < .03) than those who did not meet the guidelines. Hierarchical binary logistic regression indicated behavioral strategies for PA was the only significant correlate of meeting the national guidelines for muscle-strengthening PA (odds ratio = 1.39, 95% confidence interval [1.18, 1.65], p < .001).

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

Results support a hypothesis that instructing Latinas to use behavior change strategies could help them increase muscle-strengthening PA.

Randomized Trial of a Physical Activity Intervention for Latino Men: Activo

INTRODUCTION

Latino men experience disproportionately high rates of diseases related to low physical activity, yet they are poorly represented in physical activity intervention trials. Efforts to promote physical activity in Latina women show promising results, yet such interventions are yet to be extended to Latino men. This study tested a computer expert system‒tailored, text messaging-supported physical activity intervention for underactive Spanish-speaking Latino men compared with a control group matched for contact time. Potential predictors of intervention success were also explored.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized trial. Participants were randomized to receive a Tailored Physical Activity Intervention (Intervention) or a Wellness Control (Control). Data were collected in 2015-2017 and analyzed in 2018-2019.

SETTING/PARTICIPANTS

Insufficiently active Latino men (n=46).

INTERVENTION

Intervention participants received a baseline counseling session and then, individually tailored print materials and text messages on a tapered schedule for 6 months. Control participants received printed wellness materials and text messages on the same schedule.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcome was a change in weekly moderate to vigorous physical activity from baseline to 6 months measured by accelerometers. Self-reported moderate to vigorous physical activity measured by the 7-day Physical Activity Recall Interview was a secondary outcome.

RESULTS

For Intervention participants, median accelerometer-measured moderate to vigorous physical activity increased from 10.0 minutes/week at baseline to 57.5 minutes/week at 6 months, whereas for Control participants, it increased from 21.0 minutes/week at baseline to 23.0 minutes/week at 6 months (p<0.05). Similar results were found for self-reported moderate to vigorous physical activity. At 6 months, 47% of Intervention participants met national guidelines of 150 minutes/week versus 25% of Control participants (p=0.15, not significant).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that an individually tailored intervention can successfully increase moderate to vigorous physical activity in underactive Latino men. Such technology-supported interventions have the potential for broad dissemination.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT02512419.

Design and rationale for a randomized trial of a theory- and technology- enhanced physical activity intervention for Latinas: The Seamos Activas II study

INTRODUCTION

Latina women report disproportionately high rates of physical inactivity and related chronic health conditions. Physical activity (PA) efforts to date have shown modest success in this at-risk population; thus, more effective interventions are necessary to help Latinas reach national PA guidelines and reduce related health disparities. This paper describes the design, rationale, and baseline findings from the Seamos Activas II intervention.

METHODS/DESIGN

The ongoing RCT will test the efficacy of the Seamos Saludables PA print intervention vs. a theory-and technology-enhanced version (Seamos Activas II). The purpose of the study is to increase the percentage of Latinas meeting the national PA guidelines compared to the prior trial, improve biomarkers related to disease, and extend generalizability to a broader and more representative population of Latinas (i.e. Mexican/Mexican-Americans). Intervention refinements included further targeting key constructs of Social Cognitive Theory, and incorporating interactive text message-based self-monitoring strategies. The primary outcome is change in minutes per week of MVPA measured by ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers at 6- and 12-months. Secondary PA outcomes assessed by the 7-Day PA Recall will be used to corroborate findings.

RESULTS

Participants (N = 199) are Latinas 18-65 years (mean = 43.8) of predominantly Mexican origin (89%). At baseline, objectively measured MVPA was 39.51 min/week (SD = 71.20, median = 10) and self-reported MVPA was 12.47 min/week (SD = 22.54, median = 0).Participants reported generally low self-efficacy and higher cognitive vs. behavioral processes of change.

CONCLUSION

Addressing interactivity and accountability through text messaging, and more rigorously targeting theoretical constructs may be key to helping Latinas achieve nationally recommended PA levels and thereby reducing health disparities.

Assessing Maternal Support for Physical Activity in Latina Adolescents

Objectives: We developed a comprehensive measure to evaluate 11 domains of maternal social support for physical activity (PA) among Latina adolescents. Methods: The 26-item questionnaire included a version for mothers to rate how often they engaged in behaviors supporting their daughters' PA, and a version for daughters to rate how often their mothers engaged in the same behaviors. Bivariate correlations examined associations between mother-daughter perceived support for daughter's moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), and associations between daughter's perceived support for PA and current MVPA. Results: Twenty-one Latina adolescents, which included 20 adolescent-mother dyads, enrolled in the study. Mother-daughter ratings of support showed significant positive correlations for reminders (r = .573, p = .01), watching daughters' sports (r = .566, p = .01), limit-setting (r = .564, p = .01), encouragement (r = .561, p = .01), transportation (r = .544, p = .02). We found statistically significant associations between MVPA and daughters' ratings of their mothers valuing (r = .544, p = .02) and facilitating PA (r = .48, p = .05). Conclusions: Mothers accurately perceive several supportive behaviors for PA given to daughters, but only daughters' perception of received support predicts their MVPA.

Telehealth intervention for Latina breast cancer survivors: A pilot

Aim:

This study was a pilot test of the Latina Breast Cancer Survivorship Intervention, a survivorship self-management intervention delivered via telephone.

Materials and methods:

This study used a wait-list control design with random assignment to either (1) support and early education or (2) support and delayed education. Latina breast cancer survivors were recruited through the Florida Cancer Data System Registry. Latinas with stage I–III breast cancer who completed primary cancer treatment 3 years prior to study enrollment were eligible. The Latina Breast Cancer Survivorship Intervention consisted of three education sessions delivered weekly via telephone and six telephone support calls, both delivered by a native Spanish speaker. Primary outcome variables included physical well-being, emotional well-being, fatigue, pain, and depressive symptoms. Data collection occurred at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months.

Results:

In total, 40 Latina breast cancer survivors who were middle-aged to older, married, with health insurance, and Spanish as preferred language enrolled in the Latina Breast Cancer Survivorship Intervention. Data were analyzed using mean change scores. Overall, physical and emotional well-being remained similar over time with well-being scores poorer compared with the general population. Pain levels improved over 6 months and showed a high effect size. Fatigue scores improved at 3 months and showed a moderate effect size. Depressive symptoms remained elevated but were not clinically significant.

Conclusion:

Telephone-based Latina Breast Cancer Survivorship Intervention reached Latina breast cancer survivors for survivorship education and support. Self-management of pain and fatigue showed improvement over time.

Psychometrics of the self-efficacy for physical activity scale among a Latina women sample

Background

Even though Latinos have become a priority population for the promotion of physical activity in the United States, several widely used scales in physical activity promotion research have not been validated among this population, particularly in Spanish. This study aims to assess the validity and other psychometrics of the Self-Efficacy for Physical Activity scale among a sample of Spanish-speaking Latina women who participated in the Pasos Hacia La Salud intervention. We also explored alternatives for scale simplification.

Methods

Data from 205 women corresponding to baseline, 6-month, and 12-month time points were analyzed. Internal consistency was assessed. A series of Spearman correlations, t-tests, linear regressions, and logistic regressions were used to assess the concurrent and predictive validity of the Self Efficacy for Physical Activity scale against both self-report and accelerometer-measured physical activity, using both continuous and categorical outcome data. Item Response Theory and factor analysis methods were used to explore alternatives to simplify the scale. Psychometric tests were repeated with the simplified scale.

Results

Cronbach’s alpha for the original scale was .72, .76, and .78 for baseline, 6-month, and 12-month data respectively. All concurrent validity tests conducted with 6-month and 12-month data, but not with baseline data, were statistically significant. Self-efficacy at 6 months was also predictive of physical activity at 12 months for all tests except one. Based on plots of Option Characteristic Curves, a modified version of the scale was created. Psychometric results of the modified scale were similar to those of the original scale.

Conclusions

This study confirmed the scale’s reliability and validity, and revealed that the scale’s accuracy improves when some response items are collapsed, which is an important finding for future research among populations with low literacy levels.

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.

Applying Psychological Theories to Promote Long-Term Maintenance of Health Behaviors

Behavioral health theory provides a framework for researchers to design, implement, and evaluate the effects of health promotion programs. However, limited research has examined theories used in interventions to promote long-term maintenance of health behaviors. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the available literature and identify prominent behavioral health theories used in intervention research to promote maintenance of health behaviors. We reviewed theories used in intervention research assessing long-term maintenance (≥ 6 months post-intervention) of physical activity, weight loss, and smoking cessation. Five prominent behavioral theories were referenced by the 34 studies included in the review: Self-Determination Theory, Theory of Planned Behavior, Social Cognitive Theory, Transtheoretical Model, and Social Ecological Model. Descriptions and examples of applications of these theories are provided. Implications for future research are discussed.

Utility of Acculturation in Physical Activity Research in Latina Adults

Latina adults in the United States have a disproportionately higher prevalence of chronic diseases related to low physical activity levels than non-Hispanic women. Literature indicates that acculturation may be a contributing factor to being physically active, but the extent of this association remains unclear. An integrative review of literature was conducted on studies that examined acculturation as it relates to physical activity in Latinas in the United States. Our review of 33 studies revealed inconsistent measurement and conceptualization of acculturation and physical activity across studies. Findings from this review reinforce the importance and continued use of acculturation by behavioral researchers; however, acculturation, as conceptualized in the studies reviewed, may not have had an influence on health as much as traditions, life patterns, and resources of Latinas.

Physical activity and quality of life among university students: exploring self-efficacy, self-esteem, and affect as potential mediators

PURPOSE

Physical activity (PA) has been shown to enhance quality of life (QOL) in older adults. Findings from these studies indicate that the relationship between PA and QOL is indirect and likely mediated by variables such as physical self-esteem, exercise self-efficacy, and affect. As PA varies greatly by age, the purpose of the current study is to extend this area of research to young adults and explore the complex relationship between PA and QOL in this target population.

METHODS

Data were collected via anonymous questionnaire from N = 590 undergraduate students. PA was assessed with the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire, and QOL was assessed by the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Path analysis was used to test the relationship between PA and QOL, with mediators of exercise self-efficacy, physical self-esteem, and affect.

RESULTS

The PA model (RMSEA = .03, CFI = .99) accounted for 25 % of the variance in QOL. PA had positive direct effects on exercise self-efficacy (β = .28, P < .001), physical self-esteem (β = .10, P < .001), positive affect (β = .10, P < .05), and negative affect (β = .08, P < .05). Physical self-esteem was found to be the most powerful mediating variable on QOL (β = .30, P < .001), followed by positive affect (β = .27, P < .001) and negative affect (β = .14, P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Physical self-esteem and, to a lesser extent, positive affect emerged as integral components in the link between PA and QOL. Findings suggest that health education programs designed to promote regular PA and increase physical self-esteem may be effective in improving QOL in young adults.

Internet-Based Physical Activity Interventions

This article provides a comprehensive review of Internet- and Website-based physical activity interventions targeting adult populations. Search procedures identified 72 unique Internet-based physical activity interventions published in peer-reviewed journals. Participants of the studies were predominately White, middle-aged (mean age = 43.3 years), and female (65.9%). Intervention durations ranged from 2 weeks to 13 months (median = 12 weeks). Forty-six of the studies were randomized controlled trials, 21 were randomized trials without a control condition, 2 were non-randomized controlled trials, and 3 used a single-group design. The majority of studies (n = 68) assessed outcomes immediately following the end of the intervention period, and 16 studies provided delayed postintervention assessments. Forty-four of the 72 studies (61.1%) reported significant increases in physical activity. Future directions for Internet-based physical activity interventions include increasing representation of minority and male populations in Internet-based efforts, conducting delayed postintervention follow-up assessments, and incorporating emerging technologies (ie, cellular and Smartphones) into Internet-based physical activity efforts.

Physical activity in Latinas: social and environmental influences

Latinas are the largest, fastest growing female ethnic minority group in the USA, and also report the lowest levels of physical activity. Following the framework of the social ecological model, this review examines unique social and environmental factors that influence physical activity in Latinas. Research shows that Latinas receive little social support for activity despite having large, close-knit social networks. Interventions incorporating social support components are generally efficacious. Latinas also face many environmental barriers, including crime, heat, traffic, lack of facilities and a fear of immigration enforcement, and there have been few attempts to address environmental barriers in Latino communities. Successful future interventions will need to consider unique social and environmental barriers affecting Latinas, and help Latinas learn to incorporate social networks into physical activity participation.