Inshape together: A multilevel, intergenerational, community-based program to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior

Background: This pilot study evaluates the ability of InSHAPEŽ Together (IST), an innovative, multilevel, intergenerational program, to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior in three communities in New Hampshire and Vermont. Within a Community-Based Participatory Research process, communities adopted an Action Learning Collaborative (ALC) model to apply quality improvement tools to achieve participants' physical activity and nutrition goals. Methods: The ALC curriculum was designed with community leaders to encourage team learning, expand social supports, and frame individual goal-setting within the broader context of community health. IST was implemented in 9 monthly meetings by local project coordinators and content experts. Most of the 97 participants were female (85.4%), white (93.8%), and non-Hispanic/Latino (95.9%). Participant average age was 52 years (range 12-86). Baseline adult BMI was 35 and 28.0% had annual household income of $20,000 or less. Trained staff measured participant height, weight, 6-minute walk (6MWT) distance, and administered surveys at baseline, midpoint, and endpoint (scheduled for Spring 2013). Results: Data from 70 participants completing midpoint assessments thus far were analyzed with appropriate statistical methods. BMI decreased in 53% and 6MWT distance increased in 67%. Participants reported increased feelings of social support for exercise (47.0%), increased number of days with vigorous activity (50.0%) and walking (50.0%), and decreased barriers to exercise (64.3%). Over half reduced their sedentary time (62.9%) and 87.9% reported making lifestyle changes because of IST. Conclusions: IST shows potential as an approach for reducing individual barriers to physical activity, while enhancing social connections for healthier communities.