Community-Based Physical Activity Program for Increasing Exercise in Latinos

Overseen By Kathryn P Derose, PhD, MPH

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: RAND

Disqualifiers: Active, Health condition, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if linking Latino Catholic churches with local parks can increase physical activity among churchgoers. Participants will either join church and park activities, such as walking groups and fitness classes (church and park-based intervention), or receive standard health materials. The focus is on boosting exercise and improving health outcomes, with attention to how the program affects different genders. It suits Latino parishioners in Los Angeles who regularly attend the study church and do not currently exercise for 150 minutes each week. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to innovative community health strategies.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this intervention is safe for increasing physical activity in Latinos?

Research has shown that programs in churches and parks to boost physical activity among Latino adults are generally safe. Previous studies on similar programs reported no serious side effects. These activities, such as walking groups and fitness classes, are low-risk. Participants in earlier studies experienced small health improvements without major issues. Although specific safety data is limited, the activities appear to be well-tolerated by most people. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores a unique, community-based approach to increasing physical activity among Latinos. Unlike typical treatments that rely on distributing standard health educational materials like brochures and posters, this intervention integrates various community elements such as texting interventions, peer leader training, and park-based fitness classes. By engaging participants directly in their communities, through churches and parks, the trial leverages local resources and social support, potentially making it more effective and accessible than conventional methods. This approach could lead to more sustainable lifestyle changes by fostering a sense of community involvement and motivation.

What evidence suggests that this church and park-based intervention is effective for increasing physical activity in Latinos?

Research shows that connecting churches and parks can help Latino adults become more active. This trial will test a church and park-based intervention, designed to make exercise easier and more enjoyable by offering activities like walking groups and fitness classes in familiar community settings. Participants will receive either this intervention or standard health educational materials about physical activity. Past efforts have demonstrated that church-based programs can successfully engage people by leveraging existing social networks and support systems. Although this study is the first of its kind, similar community programs have shown promise in encouraging more exercise. Early results suggest these programs can effectively improve community health. ^{1 2 4 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Kathryn P Derose, PhD, MPH

Principal Investigator

RAND

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for Latino parishioners who regularly attend one of the selected churches in Los Angeles, do not currently engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week, and have no health conditions that would prevent them from being active.

Inclusion Criteria

You are not currently meeting the recommended amount of physical activity, which is 150 minutes per week.

I don't have any health issues that stop me from being active.

You attend a church related to the study on a regular basis.

Exclusion Criteria

You exercise regularly for at least 150 minutes a week with moderate to high intensity.

I have a health condition that prevents me from being physically active.

You do not attend the church where the study is being conducted.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Participants at intervention churches receive a multi-level intervention including texting, peer leader training, walking groups, park-based fitness classes, sermons, and community advocacy.

12 months

Regular church and park visits

Control

Participants at control churches receive standard health educational materials about physical activity.

12 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in physical activity, waist circumference, and fitness level.

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Church and park-based intervention
• Standard health education on physical activity

Trial Overview The study tests a new program linking Latino Catholic churches with local parks to boost physical activity among church members. It's a randomized trial comparing this park-church intervention against standard health education on staying active.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Publicly available physical activity materials Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants at control churches will be offered standard health educational materials (brochures, tip sheets, posters) about physical activity.

Group II: Church and park-based intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants at intervention churches will be offered: texting intervention (messages about physical activity); peer leader training; walking groups; park-based fitness classes; sermons; participation in park advisory board; community advocacy.

Church and park-based intervention is already approved in United States for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Church and park-based physical activity intervention for:

• Increasing physical activity among Latino adults

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

RAND

Lead Sponsor

Trials

145

Recruited

617,000+

California State University, Los Angeles

Collaborator

Trials

3

Recruited

1,200+

San Diego State University

Collaborator

Trials

182

Recruited

119,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A faith-based intervention significantly increased moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) among Latinas, with participants showing a 66% higher likelihood of meeting the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines after 12 months.

The intervention also led to a reduction in body mass index and improved behavioral strategies for physical activity, highlighting the effectiveness of community-based approaches in promoting health.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Fe en Acción: Promoting Physical Activity Among Churchgoing Latinas. Arredondo, EM., Elder, JP., Haughton, J., et al.[2021]

A study involving 373 Latinx adults from 6 churches in Los Angeles found that church physical activity (PA) programming and the quality of nearby parks positively influenced park use and park-based physical activity.

However, the study did not find significant associations between church contextual factors and overall moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels or adherence to PA recommendations, suggesting that while church programs can encourage park use, they may not directly increase overall physical activity levels.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Church Contextual Factors Associated With Latinx Physical Activity and Park Use. Perez, LG., Cohen, DA., Seelam, R., et al.[2023]

In a study of 571 individuals from 20 churches in South Carolina, 42% reported having physical activity (PA) programs, with walking and aerobics being the most common types, which were linked to higher participation in recommended PA levels.

Larger churches were more likely to offer PA programs, and having interpersonal support from church members significantly increased the likelihood of meeting PA recommendations, suggesting that church-based programs could effectively promote physical activity in the community.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Physical activity participation in African American churches. Bopp, M., Wilcox, S., Laken, M., et al.[2022]

The Faith in Action program, aimed at increasing physical activity among Latina women in churches, highlights the importance of community engagement and the role of church leaders in implementing health interventions.

Interviews with 22 pastors and church staff revealed key barriers such as lack of knowledge about physical activity and competing priorities, while also identifying effective strategies like health behavior training and tailored messaging to enhance program implementation and support scale-up.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Identifying barriers, facilitators, and implementation strategies for a faith-based physical activity program. Haughton, J., Takemoto, ML., Schneider, J., et al.[2022]

Faith-based interventions can effectively reduce health disparities in ethnic minority populations, particularly through physical activity programs targeting Latinas.

Church leader support and the strength of parishioners' connection to their church are key factors that enhance the implementation and participation rates in health promotion activities.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Determinants of Implementation Effectiveness in a Physical Activity Program for Church-Going Latinas. Beard, M., Chuang, E., Haughton, J., et al.[2021]

Church-based health interventions show promise in improving health outcomes for Latinos, with five out of six full-scale randomized controlled trials demonstrating statistically significant benefits.

Most interventions focused on group classes and preventive services, but there is a need for larger studies that address multiple levels of health intervention and structural barriers to enhance access and effectiveness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Systematic Review of Church-Based Health Interventions Among Latinos. Derose, KP., Rodriguez, C.[2021]

The volunteer-led program aimed at increasing physical activity among African-American church members did not result in significant increases in physical activity levels over two years, despite high awareness of the program (67%).

Pastoral support was found to be a significant factor associated with physical activity, suggesting that engaging church leaders may be crucial for future interventions targeting health behaviors.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Increasing physical activity among church members: community-based participatory research. Wilcox, S., Laken, M., Bopp, M., et al.[2022]

A systematic review of 43 church-based interventions found that while 81% reported significant results in addressing obesity, most effect sizes were small and only 56% of studies provided calculable effect sizes, indicating limited impact.

The review highlighted a lack of diversity in study samples and suggested that interventions should be tailored to specific racial/ethnic groups and employ multilevel strategies to effectively address obesity in vulnerable communities.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Church-based interventions to address obesity among African Americans and Latinos in the United States: a systematic review. Flórez, KR., Payán, DD., Palar, K., et al.[2022]

The pilot faith-based physical activity intervention significantly increased awareness of health benefits and knowledge of physical activity recommendations among Latino participants, with 66% of intervention participants citing health reasons for participation compared to only 36% in the comparison group.

The study highlighted both successes and challenges in implementation, indicating that while the intervention was effective in improving knowledge, there were communication issues and difficulties in reaching a broader audience within the church community.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A faith-based physical activity intervention for Latinos: outcomes and lessons. Bopp, M., Fallon, EA., Marquez, DX.[2021]

A study involving 44 adult members of African American churches in South Carolina identified key factors influencing physical activity participation, including spirituality, barriers, enablers, and desired programs, highlighting the church's potential role in promoting exercise.

Participants expressed interest in various physical activity programs, such as aerobics and walking, indicating that faith-based interventions can effectively incorporate culturally relevant activities and social support to encourage physical activity among African Americans.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Understanding physical activity participation in members of an African American church: a qualitative study. Bopp, M., Lattimore, D., Wilcox, S., et al.[2022]

The Church Challenge is a significant trial involving 576 residents across 24 churches in Flint, MI, aimed at reducing blood pressure by 6 mmHg through a 16-week nutrition and physical activity program, highlighting the importance of community-based interventions in chronic disease prevention.

This multilevel approach, which includes community, church, and individual levels, is designed to promote health equity and well-being, particularly in economically distressed areas with limited access to healthy food and physical activity resources.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Church Challenge: A community-based multilevel cluster randomized controlled trial to improve blood pressure and wellness in African American churches in Flint, Michigan. Johnson-Lawrence, V., Bailey, S., Sanders, PE., et al.[2023]

Citations

1. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39322207/

and Faith-Based Multilevel Intervention to Promote Physical ... We implemented a faith-based multilevel intervention to promote PA in parks for Latino adults, which was partially adapted to a virtual platform ...

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1551714422002804

Linking churches and parks to promote physical activity ... This will be the first study examining efficacy of an integrated church and park-based intervention on Latino adults' PA and represents a scalable model of PA ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9783594/

Linking churches and parks to promote physical activity ... To our knowledge, this will be the first study examining efficacy of an integrated church and park-based intervention on Latino adults' PA and represents a ...

4. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/384329037_Implementation_Evaluation_of_a_Parks-_and_Faith-Based_Multilevel_Intervention_to_Promote_Physical_Activity_Among_Latinos

Implementation Evaluation of a Parks- and Faith-Based ... We implemented a faith-based multilevel intervention to promote PA in parks for Latino adults, which was partially adapted to a virtual platform during the ...

5. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-2-2019-756cd

Community-Based Physical Activity Program for Increasing ... This study is a cluster randomized controlled trial of a multi-level intervention that links Latino Catholic churches (n=14) with their local parks to ...

6. journals.humankinetics.com journals.humankinetics.com/abstract/journals/jpah/21/11/article-p1174.xml

Journal of Physical Activity and Health We implemented a faith-based multilevel intervention to promote PA in parks for Latino adults, which was partially adapted to a virtual platform ...

7. escholarship.org escholarship.org/uc/item/8vv8w6f8

A Pilot Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of a Multilevel ... Implementing a multilevel intervention across diverse congregations resulted in small improvements in obesity outcomes.