American journal of preventive medicine
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Physical inactivity is prevalent among African-American women in rural Alabama. The purpose of this study was to explore personal, social, and physical environmental factors associated with activity to help plan interventions. ⋯ Social environmental factors were associated with higher levels of activity and need to be considered when planning interventions. More research is needed to identify associations between specific aspects of the social environment and physical activity behaviors.
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Personal, social, and environmental correlates of physical activity in rural Midwestern white women.
Physical activity is a promising component of cardiovascular disease prevention among women. Research in this area is expanding, but much needs to be done to assess subgroups of the population (e.g., people living in rural environments). The study goal was to determine personal, social environmental, and physical environmental correlates of physical activity among rural white women aged 20 to 50 years. ⋯ More research is needed on the assessment of important issues regarding physical activity in women. Interventions should use assessment information to tailor programs and to address personal, social environmental, and physical environmental components.
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Little is known about the correlates of physical activity among African-American women living in the southeastern United States. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship of personal, social, cultural, environmental, and policy variables with physical activity among women in ethnic minority groups. ⋯ Multiple factors influence physical activity. Interventions to increase physical activity should use multilevel approaches that incorporate the personal, social environmental, and physical environmental factors related to participation in physical activity.
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In response to a growing need for assistance among our aging population, assisted-living facilities have been designed to fill the widening chasm between community living and nursing care. Although sedentary behavior has been linked to functional limitations and disability, no comprehensive information exists about the social and physical environments and the programming available to promote physical activity in assisted living. Accordingly, this article includes data from an exploratory study that underscores the issues clearly related to physical activity for older adults in assisted living. ⋯ Interviews were conducted with executive directors (N=21) to discuss methods for assessing and promoting positive lifestyle behaviors with distinct emphasis on the targeted behavior of physical activity. Potential ways in which the social and physical environments could be modified to promote and support physically active living were identified. Clearly, promoting physical activity in assisted living is a challenge and will require a partnership with assisted living communities to develop effective and feasible systems-based interventions designed to make environments more engaging and, thereby, promote active living.
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Balance is important for the safe performance of many activities that allow older people to remain independent in their community. Housework, cooking, shopping, and travel generally require the ability to stand, reach, turn, and bend down and pick up objects from the floor. Multiple interacting factors are implicated in the deterioration of balance. ⋯ Home-based exercise programs that included low-intensity strength and balance training have improved balance and reduced fall rates by about 40% compared to controls. Class-based exercise programs in senior centers or exercise centers have improved balance and physical performance, and some have reduced falls. Programs such as tai chi and social dance look promising and should be further investigated.