Promotion of Physical Activity in Low-Income Mothers Using Pedometers

ObjectiveThis study tested the effectiveness of a pedometer program for increasing physical activity levels and reducing body weight in overweight and obese mothers of young children.DesignParticipants’ motivational readiness to exercise, exercise self-efficacy, pedometer steps, pedometer kilocalories, and anthropometrics were evaluated at week 0 and week 8; anthropometrics were reassessed at week 24. Healthful-weight mothers provided comparison data at baseline.Subjects/settingA convenience sample of 93 intervention women (body mass index [calculated as kg/m2] ≥25) and 31 comparison women (body mass index <25) were recruited from public health clinics, community centers, and churches. Eligibility criteria included Hispanic, African-American, or white ethnicity and low income (<200% of the federal poverty index).InterventionAn 8-week physical activity and dietary program was conducted.Main outcome measuresMotivational readiness to exercise, exercise self-efficacy, pedometer steps, and weight loss.Statistical analyses performedIndependent sample t tests, χ2 tests, paired t tests, Wilcoxon signed-ranks tests, repeated measures analysis of variance, and Pearson and Spearman correlations.ResultsMothers enhanced their motivational readiness to exercise, exercise self-efficacy, pedometer steps, and pedometer kilocalories. Reductions in body weight, percent body fat, and waist circumference also were observed. Significant correlations were found between exercise self-efficacy and exercise readiness (r=0.28, P<0.01), pedometer steps (r=0.30, P<0.01), and pedometer kilocalories (r=0.28, P<0.05).ConclusionsThis intervention successfully increased the physical activity levels and promoted weight loss in low-income mothers. Public health clinics may wish to incorporate elements of this intervention into their programs to improve the physical fitness of recipients.