The impact of a church-based physical activity intervention on exercise adherence in middle-aged women

Abstract

Women are at risk of cardiovascular disease which regular physical activity has been shown to reduce; yet 60% do not exercise 30 minutes daily for minimal health benefits. This study determined the effectiveness of a 24-week church-based physical activity intervention for middle-aged women (n = 12) aged 35 to 65 years in increasing and maintaining weekly moderate-intensity activity. An intervention group and control group logged weekly exercise activity. They received separate intervention including encouragement to exercise with a partner and attend a biweekly support meeting for Bible study and wellness education during phase one and two, respectively. The entire sample did increase exercise time during the study (p = .000). The results offer wellness programs aid in exercise adherence development.