Examining the feasibility and acceptability of a six-week at-home physical activity intervention with a focus on strength training for Black women: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Physical activity (PA) is protective against many health conditions such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), obesity, and all-cause mortality. Black women have some of the highest rates of non-communicable diseases associated with a lack of PA. Most previous PA studies for Black women have focused on aerobic PA. This was one of the first studies to explore a PA program for Black women that emphasized strength training and utilized home-based methodology. The current pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of an at-home strengthening physical activity intervention. The study also examined the preliminary efficacy of a physical activity intervention (PAI) on physical activity and psychosocial variables, compared to a wait-list-control (WLC) group. Low-active Black women (< 90 min physical activity per week; n = 36; mean age = 44.0, + / 12.6) were randomized to either the six-week PAI or WLC. Participants in the PAI were sent workouts and demonstration videos weekly via email, engaged in a weekly group Zoom counseling and exercise session, and participated in a social media motivational group chat. Participants were assessed at baseline and at the conclusion of the six-week intervention. The primary outcomes of the current study are feasibility and acceptability as measured by retention and self-reported satisfaction via survey and focus groups. Additionally, descriptive statistics were obtained regarding physical activity and related psychosocial measures. Of the 36 participants who were randomized, 24 were retained at the post-intervention timepoint. The overall program had a high satisfaction rating, but feasibility thresholds were not met. Attendance at the Zoom counseling sessions was 48%. The PAI group had higher self-efficacy for physical activity, behavioral regulation for exercise, and family social support than the WLC group. The focus groups revealed positive perceptions of the program and suggestions for improvement. This study provides evidence for the acceptability of the PAI. Future research with larger samples sizes should focus on building community partnerships and building authentic connections between participants. This study was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05997888 on August 18th, 2023.