Effects of a community-based intervention on physical activity: the Pawtucket Heart Health Program.
OBJECTIVE
The effect of a community-based physical activity program in Pawtucket, RI, was evaluated relative to one in a comparison community.


METHODS
Cross-sectional surveys of 7529 residents of Pawtucket, RI, and 7732 residents of the comparison city were conducted at 2-year intervals during 7 years of intervention.


RESULTS
There were no differences in self-reported knowledge of the benefits of physical activity, attempts to increase exercise, or prevalence of physical inactivity between Pawtucket and the comparison community.


CONCLUSIONS
Future community-based physical activity interventions should attempt to involve a wider range of individuals.
Eaton
C B
CB
Department of Family Medicine, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island, Pawtucket 02860, USA. charles_eaton@mhri.org
Lapane
K L
KL
Garber
C E
CE
Gans
K M
KM
Lasater
T M
TM
Carleton
R A
RA
D000328:Adult; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000517:prevention & control; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011314:Preventive Health Services; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012237:Rhode Island