Implementing a rhythmic movement and health education intervention in a predominantly African American community

Cleveland State University's Center for Health Equity in partnership with the University's Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Department (HPERD) and St. Vincent Charity Hospital implemented a three year NIH/NCMHD-funded planning grant using community based participatory research to design and implement a pilot project through community input. This community-academic partnership yielded a pilot project focused on physical activity and nutrition for children aged eight to 12 and their parents. The pilot intervention study was launched with the following goals: 1) increase community awareness of the importance of exercise and good nutrition; 2) engage youth in an exercise program that includes health and nutrition education; and 3) increase and foster community leadership that will help sustain the project. The pilot project consisted of rhythmic and fitness movement along with health and wellness programming. Moreover, the pilot centered on introducing a variety of physical activities along with healthy lifestyle skills to have participants develop an appreciation of movement and not be limited by specific sport activities. Additionally, a community health worker worked closely with each of the participant's families to explain the research and health outcomes and address inherent barriers to participation. The HPERD staff developed the curriculum and along with a community health worker, community assistants, parents of the participants, and agencies' staff, implemented the pilot at four intervention sites in the Central neighborhood, Cleveland, Ohio. This presentation will highlight: 1) the health outcomes of the intervention; 2) agencies' program structure's effect on recruitment; and 3) overall effectiveness of program.