Physical Activity to Improve Physical Function in a Community-Based Health Ministry

Overview

This study is being conducted to test if a program with physical activity and learning about movement (including goal setting, benefits of physical activity, and how to increase physical activity gradually) helps people to become more active and to move better. The physical activity program involves specific exercises done in a group setting, and the education part will involve learning about different ways to move to make everyday activities easier. The program will last 16 weeks. This program will take place in a large fellowship area of a partner church through an established community-based participatory research partnership in Chicago, IL.

Limitations in physical function (PF) are related to decreased quality of life and are predictive of disability, nursing home admission, increased healthcare costs, and mortality in older adults. Structured physical activity has been shown to prevent mobility disability among those with physical function limitations, though community-based programs are needed, particularly in underserved communities. The purpose of this study is to pilot test a tailored physical activity intervention in churches in Chicago's West Side through an existing community-based participatory research partnership. The investigators previously found high rates of physical function limitations in these communities, and through qualitative research have identified intervention components that may aid in promoting physical activity among community members with physical function limitations. The primary aim is test the intervention in a 16 week, proof-of-concept study in 20 participants who are ambulatory but have PF limitations. The group-based physical activity intervention will take place in a large common area of a church. For feasibility the investigators will be testing the intervention in one church. The intervention will be delivered over 16 weeks, with assessments at baseline and 16 weeks.