A synthesis of perceptions about physical activity among older African American and American Indian women.
OBJECTIVE
In this review of qualitative data from the Cross-Cultural Activity Participation Study (CAPS), we synthesize the major findings of studies designed to identify minority women's perceptions of physical activity.


METHODS
We interviewed 30 African American and 26 American Indian women with constant comparison techniques. We analyzed the data with a coding system developed from the data.


RESULTS
The women led active, busy lives. Most perceived physical activity as being good for them, identified constraints to time and space for physical activity, and wanted social support for physical activity. Sociocultural issues also were related to physical activity.


CONCLUSIONS
Both personal and cultural values influenced the women's physical activity behaviors.
Henderson
Karla A
KA
Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 27599, USA. karla@email.unc.edu
Ainsworth
Barbara E
BE
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American / Q000523:psychology*; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008875:Middle Aged; D008913:Minority Groups / Q000523:psychology*; D010809:Physical Fitness; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support; D014481:United States; D016387:Women's Health