The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #53871

Nancy L. Fahrenwald, PhD, RN, College of Nursing, South Dakota State University, Box 2275, Brookings, SD 57007, 605-688-4098, Nancy_Fahrenwald@sdstate.edu

This experimental study pilot-tested a provider-counseled physical activity (PA) intervention for mothers in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. WIC mothers are at risk for sedentary living and have not been reached for PA behavior change. The study was derived from the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change. Specific aims were: (a) To test if the intervention produced changes in both primary outcomes (stage of behavior change and PA behavior) and secondary outcomes (improved TTM-derived behavior change constructs).  (b) To test if secondary outcomes were associated with primary outcomes. (c) To identify the effect size (d). This presentation focuses on physical activity outcomes. Participants (N = 52) were randomized to: "Moms on the Move" (PA intervention) or, counseling on self-breast-examination (control). Pre-post PA measures (baseline, two weeks post 8-week intervention) included: stage of behavior change (Stage of Exercise Adoption tool) and PA behavior (7-day recall, Digiwalker step counter). Data analysis used pre-post difference scores, Chi-square and one-way ANOVA. The experimental group progressed in stage of change more than control, Chi-square (1, N=44) = 20.50, p < .001, d = 1.50. The experimental group had greater PA behavior: weekly minutes of PA, F(1,42) = 46.85, p < .001, d = 2.07; daily total energy expenditure (EE), F(1,42) = 23.01, p < .001, d = 1.67; and, weekly EE from moderate PA, F(1,42) = 32.63, p < .001, d = 1.72. Experimental subgroup (n=11) step counts increased pre-post, t(10) = 6.16, p < .001. Results support future PA research with WIC mothers.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the components of "Moms on the Move": A physical activity intervention for WIC mothers.
• Evaluate physical activity outcomes from pilot-testing of "Moms on the Move".
• Plan for future physical activity behavior change research with the WIC population.

Keywords: Physical Activity, WIC

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.