Promoting Physical Activity Among Latinos Through the Use of Pedometers

Physical inactivity is an important modifiable risk factor for many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes, which disproportionately affect Latinos in the U.S. Thus, targeting at-risk Latinos for prevention/intervention programs to increase physical activity can help decrease their risk for developing these diseases. The purpose of this project was to promote physical activity, while measuring and monitoring behavior change associated with pedometer (step counter) use among Latinos in a large metropolitan area of Florida. The study's objectives were to 1) promote physical activity and increase awareness of the importance of walking and exercise through the use of pedometers, 2) calculate how many pedometer steps participants took over a three-week period, and 3) identify any behavior or attitude changes associated with wearing a pedometer. Prior to starting the program, participants were administered a pre-test to assess behaviors and attitudes regarding physical activity. Participants were then given a pedometer and a journal to track their steps for three weeks. Upon completion, a post-test was administered to determine behavior change. Findings indicate that participants increased their steps and changed physical activity behaviors over the three-week period. A statistically significant difference was found between the average number of steps participants took from first to third week [F (188)= 6.20, p=.0136]. Additionally, there was a statistically significant increase in scores from pre-test to post-tests, indicating positive physical activity behavior changes [F(43)=6.59, p<.0001 (CI 13.53, 7.196)]. Pedometers combined with health education on the importance of physical activity may be a contributing factor to this outcome.