ERIC Number: EJ917439
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011
Pages: 6
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1932-5037
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
A Cardiovascular Health Program for Latinos Supplemented with Pedometers
Trudnak, Tara; Lloyd, Angela; Westhoff, Wayne W.; Corvin, Jaime
American Journal of Health Education, v42 n1 p24-29 Jan-Feb 2011
Background: Physical inactivity is an important modifiable risk factor for many chronic diseases which disproportionately affect Latinos in the U.S. Targeting at-risk Latinos for prevention and intervention programs to increase physical activity can help decrease their risk for developing these diseases. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to promote physical activity, while measuring and monitoring behavior change associated with pedometer use among Latinos. The study's objectives were to: (1) promote physical activity and increase awareness of the importance of walking and exercise through the use of pedometers, (2) calculate the amount of pedometer steps each participant takes over a period of time, and (3) determine whether the use of pedometers along with education about exercise in a cardiovascular disease program would increase participant's physical activity. Methods: Prior to starting the program, participants were given a pedometer and a journal to track their steps. Results: The average number of steps participants took from the first to the last week of data collection increased significantly [F (188)= 6.20, P=0.014]. Discussion: A pedometer may be a useful tool for health educators when combined with an evidence-based physical education program. Translation to Health Education Practice: This study is a demonstration of how health education responsibilities can be put into practice. (Contains 3 tables.)
Descriptors: Physical Education, Intervention, Health Education, Physical Activities, Health Promotion, Health Programs, Behavior Modification, Risk, Behavior Change, Hispanic Americans, At Risk Persons, Equipment, Measurement, Correlation, Exercise, Heart Disorders, Diaries
American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. 1900 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191. Tel: 800-213-7193; Fax: 703-476-9527; e-mail: info@aahperd.org; Web site: http://www.aahperd.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A