title: Adaptation of an evidence-based intervention for Appalachian women: new STEPS (Strength Through Education, Physical fitness and Support) for breast health.
abstract: Appalachia is characterized by a high prevalence of individual-level risks for breast cancer, including physical inactivity and postmenopausal obesity. The availability of local, evidence-based programs to improve physical fitness is limited. We adapted an evidence-based intervention, StrongWomen, to improve physical fitness and increase breast cancer knowledge among women 40 years and older in Appalachian Pennsylvania. Utilizing a multi-site, community-based design, we tested the adapted 12-week, supervised program-New STEPS (Strength Through Education, Physical fitness and Support)-among 139 women. The completion rate was 67.6 %. Pre/post scores improved for each of six fitness assessments (P<0.01). We found differences in overall fitness by study site (P<0.001), but no differences by age (P=0.13) or by previous breast cancer diagnosis (P=0.73). New STEPS is an adapted, evidence-based program that can improve physical fitness and breast cancer awareness among women in Appalachian Pennsylvania. New STEPS may help fill a void in local fitness programs for Appalachian women at risk for breast cancer or breast cancer recurrence.
authors: Department of Public Health Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, 600 Centerview Drive, Suite 2200 Mail Code A210, Hershey, PA, 17033-0855, USA. ngallant@phs.psu.edu
authors: Nancy R
authors: NR
authors: Gallant
authors: Marilyn
authors: M
authors: Corbin
authors: Marcyann M
authors: MM
authors: Bencivenga
authors: Michelle
authors: M
authors: Farnan
authors: Nancy
authors: N
authors: Wiker
authors: Andrea
authors: A
authors: Bressler
authors: Fabian
authors: F
authors: Camacho
authors: Eugene J
authors: EJ
authors: Lengerich
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001061:Appalachian Region; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D010414:Pennsylvania; D010807:Physical Endurance; D010809:Physical Fitness; D004856:Postural Balance; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012307:Risk Factors; D012944:Social Support