Community-based physical activity programs in rural settings: Implementation and evaluation findings

Introduction: Community-based physical activity interventions, which encourage ownership and innovation, are particularly important for sustainability in rural communities. This presentation describes the implementation and evaluation of community-led physical activity initiatives funded in 2012 by West Virginia on the Move (WVOM), a statewide organization dedicated to promoting physical activity. Each community, which received up to $5000 for implementation, had the latitude to develop their own programs and specify a target population, however, all were expected participate in the WVOM evaluation. Methods: Pre and post participant and post program leader surveys were used for the WVOM evaluation. Participant surveys measured self reported waist circumference, BMI, participation in moderate and vigorous physical activity, and knowledge of the physical activity guidelines. Leader surveys measured intervention strategies employed, partnership involvement, additional funding leveraged, and lessons learned. Analysis was performed using linear regression and Chi square tests. Results: An array of settings was represented, including rural counties, an African American church, a hospital, a health department, and a clinic. Strategies included group walking programs, exercise classes, and social media. Programs varied in duration from 90-120 days. Complete pre/post data were obtained from 483 participants. While no significant decreases in mean BMI or waist circumference were present, an increase in days of moderate activity was observed (p<0.001). Additionally, participants became more knowledgeable of the 2008 Physical Activity guidelines. Conclusion: While the post survey results did not illustrate improvements across all measures, increased knowledge of and participation in physical activity could lead to improvements in the future.