Implementation Evaluation of a Parks- and Faith-Based Multilevel Intervention to Promote Physical Activity Among Latinos.

Background: Latinos in the United States face multiple barriers to engaging in physical activity (PA). We implemented a faith-based multilevel intervention to promote PA in parks for Latino adults, which was partially adapted to a virtual platform during the COVID-19 pandemic, and evaluated it using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance framework.

Methods: We conducted in-depth semistructured interviews (83% in Spanish) with 24 intervention participants (75% women) participating in a cluster randomized controlled trial in 2019-2022 that linked 6 churches (3 intervention, 3 control) with parks in East Los Angeles, CA.

Qualitative Analysis of a Kinesiology Student-Led Sustainable Exercise Program Targeting Underserved Communities.

Background: The 3 WINS Fitness is a free exercise program delivered by kinesiology students to underserved communities without external funding since 2011. The program's wins focus on reducing health inequities, increasing community health, and student professional development. The objective of this study was to conduct a qualitative evaluation of the program's value for the participant, community, and student-instructors.

Linking churches and parks to promote physical activity among Latinos: Rationale and design of the Parishes & Parks cluster randomized trial.

Background: Regular physical activity (PA) contributes to positive health outcomes, but a minority of US adults meet minimum guidelines for moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and muscle-strengthening, and Latinos are less likely than whites to meet these guidelines. Public parks can be leveraged for community PA but tend to be underutilized, while churches have reach within Latino communities and can influence parishioners' health.

Methods: We are conducting a cluster randomized controlled trial to examine the impact of a multilevel, faith-based intervention linking Catholic parishes (n = 14) to their local parks on adult Latino parishioners' (n = 1204) MVPA and health-related outcomes.

Increasing physical activity in the community setting.

Physical activity (PA) is beneficial for both mental and physical health, yet many individuals do not meet PA recommendations. There are a multitude of approaches to increase levels of PA and the role of the community is one area of growing interest. This review discusses the community environment as well as programs within the community and their influence on PA levels.

Impact of a community-based intervention on Latino grandparents' knowledge about and self-efficacy in supporting grandchildren's physical activities.

Introduction: Latino grandparents are often involved in rearing grandchildren, but their roles in promoting children's physical activity (PA) have been largely overlooked. This study examined the impact of a community-based intervention called Nietos Activos y Saludables (Active and Healthy Grandchildren) on Latino grandparents' knowledge about and self-efficacy in supporting grandchildren's (aged 2-12 years) PA.

Method: The Spanish language intervention, consisting of 4 weekly sessions, was delivered to 12 Latino grandparents (primarily female, aged > 60 years) in Los Angeles County from October to November 2017.

A Qualitative Study of Latino Grandparents' Involvement in and Support for Grandchildren's Leisure Time Physical Activity.

Background: Latino grandparents are often involved in rearing of grandchildren. However, their roles in promoting Latino children's leisure time physical activity (LTPA) have been largely overlooked by researchers.

Aim: The purpose of this study is to examine Latino grandparents' involvement in and support for grandchildren's (age 2-12) LTPA as well as issues facing Latino grandparents.

Effectiveness of a Free Exercise Program in a Neighborhood Park.

Background: Faculty, students, and alumni in a university-based kinesiology program developed an innovative model for health promotion practice by partnering with the local park administration in San Fernando, California to offer these exercise classes for free in a low-income, predominantly Latino neighborhood park. The classes were taught by students as practical training for academic credit.

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of this pilot program in promoting moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.

Ethnic differences in the relationship between bioelectrical impedance and body size.

The present study compared the regression equations of bioelectrical impedance on body size among various groups to investigate potential differences due to ethnicity. Data consisted of 30 Japanese and 28 Caucasoid subjects, and other groups of Aborigines, Danes, Melanesians and Polynesians from literature. The relationship between impedance and body weight fot the groups showed the ethnic difference.