Women Bound to Be Active: One Year Follow-Up to an Innovative Pilot Intervention to Increase Physical Activity and Self-Worth in Women

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the effectiveness of a lifestyle intervention (a women's book club; Women Bound to be Active) in promoting long-term physical activity (PA). Thirty-five women (26-70 years; mean age 50.6 years) completed the 8-month intervention and participated in the one-year follow-up. At follow-up, PA returned to baseline levels; however, self-worth and body mass index significantly improved. Women were more knowledgeable about PA at follow-up; however, they failed to maintain PA after the intervention. Components of the intervention were effective in improving self-worth and lowering BMI at one-year follow-up. To enhance longterm PA adherence continued research and intervention modifications are needed.

Can an Evidence-Based Book Club Intervention Delivered via a Tablet Computer Improve Physical Activity in Middle-Aged Women?

“…Based on the tenets of Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and self-worth, [6][7][8] Fit Minded utilizes books as a platform for group discussion of SCT constructs and self-worth related to PA (e.g., goal setting, barriers to PA, PA awareness/perceptions, quality of life). Despite participants demonstrating short-and longterm improvements in PA, 44% of women in one book club did not complete the program, citing time and other commitments as barriers to their participation in the program and PA. 2,3,5 This level of attrition is consistent with face-to-face programs in which half of participants often drop out within 3-6 months because of factors such as time, cost, and transportation. 9,10 Internet-based delivery of the book club program may help to mitigate barriers to participation in the face-toface program, such as time, childcare, travel to program sites, and residing outside the local area.…”

“…[2][3][4][5] In brief, Fit Minded targets lifestyle PA using popular, best-selling books (selfhelp, memoirs) as platforms for weekly, group-based discussion targeting SCT constructs and self-worth in a progressive manner. Books are selected for their relevance to social cognitive behavioral strategies (i.e., self-efficacy, self-regulation, PA benefits/barriers, social support), self-worth, and PA, their applicability to womenspecific issues, and their ratings by women from previous book clubs.…”

“…Huberty et al [2][3][4][5] recently demonstrated the effectiveness of an innovative, face-to-face book club intervention (Fit Minded, formerly call Women Bound to be Active) for promoting lifestyle PA among middle-aged women. Based on the tenets of Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and self-worth, [6][7][8] Fit Minded utilizes books as a platform for group discussion of SCT constructs and self-worth related to PA (e.g., goal setting, barriers to PA, PA awareness/perceptions, quality of life).…”

Women Bound to Be Active: Differences in Long-Term Physical Activity Between Completers and Noncompleters of a Book Club Intervention

“…20 In a 1-year follow-up to the first pilot study, women reported significant improvements in their self-worth and body mass index as compared with baseline. 21 PA levels, however, varied among participants at the 1-year follow-up. Although some women reported challenges to maintaining PA, at 1-year follow-up women remained more knowledgeable about PA and had developed strategies to overcome barriers as compared with baseline.…”

“…Nevertheless, women reported ongoing barriers to PA which included 1) decreased social support at the end of the intervention, 2) competing time between PA and work/ family obligations, and 3) lack of motivation. 21 More studies are needed that explore in-depth reasons women are able (or unable) to maintain PA 1 year after participation in a PA program. Ideal approaches to increasing longterm adherence in women remain unclear, 5 and further longitudinal research utilizing mixed-methods techniques should explore correlates of women's PA adherence.…”