Impact of a community wide physical activity intervention: A RE-AIM evaluation using Reach and Effectiveness

Introduction: Promotion of physical activity (PA) is essential among communities. Translating successful strategies may increase PA but is limited by insufficient external validity data. This study evaluates the impact of a translated community PA intervention, Academia Fit (AF), among a sample of Latinos using the Reach and Effectiveness of the REAIM model.

Methods: At baseline and 6-months 240 participants completed: self-report survey, height and weight measures, and PA measured using GT3X accelerometer worn at the hip for 7 days. Reach was assessed through comparison of the AF population to the general community using the SDPRC random sample data of the same area (n=397). Wilcoxon-Signed rank tests were used to assess Effectiveness. Outcome variables included moderate-to- vigorous PA (MVPA), self-efficacy and social support.

Results: Reach: Compared to SDPRC, more AF participants were female (90.4%), employed (63.3%), had educated past high school (83.0%), and younger (M=39.1, SD=10.5). AF participants reported significantly higher PA, both moderate (M= 256.6, SD=481.7) and vigorous levels (M=158.2, SD=264.1). A median effect size of 0.29 for demographic characteristics indicates moderate difference between populations. Effectiveness: A decrease in moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) (Z=-3.7) and self-efficacy (Z=-4.3) was seen among participants. There was no significant change in social support. Post-hoc analysis showed that frequency of class attendance was negatively correlated to MVPA (B=-2.1).   

Conclusion: Findings show AF participants moderately differed from the SDPRC population. Reduction in MVPA may indicate a compensation effect throughout the program. Additional strategies may be needed to increase effectiveness of the intervention among US Latino’s.