Establishing a community-based program for physical exercise of low-income inner-city residents through community partnerships

Overweight and obesity are associated with a host of disabilities and illnesses, including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and cancer. One contributing factor to the obesity epidemic is sedentary lifestyle. The importance of physical activity as a pressing public health issue is supported by including it as one of the leading health indicators identified by Healthy People 2010. The estimated direct costs of inactivity and obesity account for 9.4% of U.S. health-care expenditures. The direct and indirect costs of sedentary living have been estimated at $150 billion. Objectives: To establish a community-based program for physical exercise accessible to low-income inner-city residents and to build community capacity for sustained physical exercise. Methods: The project accomplishes its objectives through 1) partnering with community and political leaders, specifically the mayor of Birmingham, as well as churches, schools, businesses, and community members to create community coalitions; 2) establishing neighborhood walking teams and training team captains; 3) creating a website for team members to self-report their steps tracked with a pedometer; and 4) establishing an incentive program where participants receive awards for accumulated steps. The impact evaluation of the project consists of comparing and contrasting the number of participating communities and individuals and the total number of self-reported steps, as well as the self-reported perception of wellness and intentions to continue the walk regimen. Results: The preliminary results show that since August 1, 2006, 20 teams and 201 walkers (87% African American) have registered with the program and 2,161,782 steps have been reported.