Effects of a promotor-based intervention to promote physical activity: Familias Sanas y Activas.
OBJECTIVE
This within-participants, single time-series study tested a train-the-trainer, promotor-based physical activity (PA) intervention to improve fitness and health indicators.


METHODS
Thirty unpaid promotores were trained to promote PA through free exercise classes. Measurements of 337 female community participants at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months assessed changes in health indicators, including systolic and diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference, body mass index (defined as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters), aerobic fitness, and hamstring flexibility, as well as self-reported health indicators (PA, depression) and psychosocial factors (barriers, self-efficacy, and social support-all specific to PA).


RESULTS
Mixed effects models showed intervention participation improved systolic blood pressure (P ≤ .001), waist circumference (P ≤ .001), fitness (P ≤ .001), and hamstring flexibility (P ≤ .001). We also noted improvements in use of community resources (P ≤ .05), depressed mood and anhedonia (P ≤ .01), perceived barriers to be physically active (P ≤ .05), and community support for PA (P ≤ .001). Self-efficacy decreased (P ≤ .05), and participation dose (i.e., exposure), as measured by attendance at exercise classes, was not associated with observed changes.


CONCLUSIONS
Promotores can promote PA in their community and achieve meaningful changes in the residents' health.
San Diego Prevention Research Center, CA, USA. ayala@mail.sdsu.edu
Guadalupe X
GX
Ayala
D000328:Adult; D001794:Blood Pressure; D002140:California; D003150:Community Health Workers / Q000193:education; D003863:Depression; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010809:Physical Fitness; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055105:Waist Circumference; D055815:Young Adult