Strength training and older women: a cross-sectional study examining factors related to exercise adherence.

Background: Despite the recognized health benefits, few older women participate in strength-training exercises.

Methods: The purpose of this study was to examine factors related to older women's adherence to strength training after participation in the StrongWomen Program, a nationally disseminated community program. Adherence was defined as > or =4 months of twice-weekly strength training.

Factors related to leader implementation of a nationally disseminated community-based exercise program: a cross-sectional study.

Background: The benefits of community-based health programs are widely recognized. However, research examining factors related to community leaders' characteristics and roles in implementation is limited.

Methods: The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to use a social ecological framework of variables to explore and describe the relationships between socioeconomic, personal/behavioral, programmatic, leadership, and community-level social and demographic characteristics as they relate to the implementation of an evidence-based strength training program by community leaders.

Design and national dissemination of the StrongWomen Community Strength Training Program.

Background: Physical activity is essential for maintaining health and function with age, especially among women. Strength training exercises combat weakness and frailty and mitigate the development of chronic disease. Community-based programs offer accessible opportunities for strength training.

Cardiovascular disease risk reduction: the Massachusetts WISEWOMAN project.

Background: This report presents the effectiveness of the Massachusetts Well-Integrated Screening and Evaluation for Women Across the Nation (WISEWOMAN) Project (MWWP) in reducing the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk of uninsured and underinsured women aged > or =50.

Methods: Healthcare sites were randomly assigned to an enhanced intervention (EI) or minimum intervention (MI). Women enrolled at all sites received CVD risk factor screening, onsite counseling, education, referral, and follow-up as needed.

Cost-effectiveness of a cardiovascular disease risk reduction program aimed at financially vulnerable women: the Massachusetts WISEWOMAN project.

Objective: The Massachusetts WISEWOMAN Project is a cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk reduction program targeting older uninsured and underinsured women. The cost-effectiveness of providing CVD screening and enhanced lifestyle interventions (EI), compared with providing CVD screening and a minimum intervention (MI), was assessed at five El and six MI healthcare sites.

Methods: Cost calculations were based on data collected during screenings and intervention activities conducted with 1586 women in 1996.