Examining the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a six-week at-home strength training intervention for Black women

Abstract

Routine physical activity (PA) is protective against many health conditions such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), obesity, and all-cause mortality. Black women have the lowest rates of PA across gender and racial groups, and some of the highest rates of non-communicable diseases. The current pilot study evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of an at-home physical activity intervention that focused on strength training. Additionally, the current study examined the effect of the intervention on physical activity and psychosocial variables, compared to the wait-list-control group. Low-active women (< 90 minutes MVPA per week; n = 36; mean age = 44.0, + / 12.6) who identified as Black were randomized to either the six-week physical activity group or the wait-list control group. The physical activity group were sent workouts weekly via email with accompanying videos, engaged in one Zoom counseling and exercise session per week, and were in a social media group that discussed motivational constructs weekly. The physical activity group engaged in a one-hour focus group at the conclusion of the program to assess acceptability and potential improvements. The overall program had a high satisfaction rate (all components of the program had over 75% favorability, with the exception of the motivational messages. Attendance of the Zoom counseling sessions was low at 48%, although 46% attended at least four sessions. The physical activity group significantly increased their self-reported physical activity from baseline to post-test, p < .05. No other significant effects were observed for any other variable. Future research should focus on building community partnerships and finding a way to build more authentic connections between participants. This was one of the first studies to explore a physical activity program for Black women that emphasized strength training and utilized home-based methodology.