NotesFAQContact Us
Collection
Advanced
Search Tips
Back to results
Peer reviewed Peer reviewed
Direct linkDirect link
ERIC Number: EJ1476818
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Aug
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1090-1981
EISSN: EISSN-1552-6127
Available Date: 0000-00-00
A Socio-Ecological Approach to Promoting Physical Activity in a Low-Income Neighborhood: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial
Navin Kaushal1; Rafael A. Alamilla1; NiCole R. Keith2
Health Education & Behavior, v52 n4 p371-381 2025
Physical activity (PA) helps prevent several diseases; however, individuals residing in low-income neighborhoods have lower PA participation rates due to social disparities, as outlined in the social-ecological model. The purpose of this pilot study was to apply the social-ecological framework to test the effectiveness of a six-month, community-based PA program in a low-income neighborhood. Participants (n = 45) lived in a low-income neighborhood near a community fitness center. Those randomized to the experimental arm (n = 23) received gym access and attended monthly on-site workshops (Months 1-3) designed to enhance PA determinants such as planning and habit formation. The remaining participants (n = 22) were assigned to a wait-listed control group. PA, body composition, and fitness data were collected using accelerometers, BODPOD, and on-site fitness assessments at baseline, Month 3, and Month 6. Compared to the control group, participants in the experimental arm engaged in more moderate-to-vigorous PA (d = 0.48, d = 0.74), total PA (d = 0.41, d = 0.99), and steps (d = 0.48, d = 0.92) at Months 3 and 6, respectively. The experimental group also showed improvements in fitness tests, including the 30-s chair test (d = 0.29, d = 0.23) and the 8-foot up-and-go test at Month 3 (d = -0.23), though these gains were not sustained at Month 6. Overall, this pilot study supports the feasibility of promoting PA and improving fitness outcomes in a low-income neighborhood. Notes for improvement and future directions are provided such as tracking PA exclusively performed at the community center to better assess program impact.
SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA; 2Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA