BMC Womens Health. 2026 Jul 8. doi: 10.1186/s12905-026-04616-7. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) is protective against many health conditions such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), obesity, and all-cause mortality. Black women have some of the highest rates of non-communicable diseases associated with a lack of PA. Most previous PA studies for Black women have focused on aerobic PA. This was one of the first studies to explore a PA program for Black women that emphasized strength training and utilized home-based methodology. The current pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of an at-home strengthening physical activity intervention. The study also examined the preliminary efficacy of a physical activity intervention (PAI) on physical activity and psychosocial variables, compared to a wait-list-control (WLC) group.
METHODS: Low-active Black women (< 90 min physical activity per week; n = 36; mean age = 44.0, + / 12.6) were randomized to either the six-week PAI or WLC. Participants in the PAI were sent workouts and demonstration videos weekly via email, engaged in a weekly group Zoom counseling and exercise session, and participated in a social media motivational group chat. Participants were assessed at baseline and at the conclusion of the six-week intervention. The primary outcomes of the current study are feasibility and acceptability as measured by retention and self-reported satisfaction via survey and focus groups. Additionally, descriptive statistics were obtained regarding physical activity and related psychosocial measures.
RESULTS: Of the 36 participants who were randomized, 24 were retained at the post-intervention timepoint. The overall program had a high satisfaction rating, but feasibility thresholds were not met. Attendance at the Zoom counseling sessions was 48%. The PAI group had higher self-efficacy for physical activity, behavioral regulation for exercise, and family social support than the WLC group. The focus groups revealed positive perceptions of the program and suggestions for improvement.
CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence for the acceptability of the PAI. Future research with larger samples sizes should focus on building community partnerships and building authentic connections between participants.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT05997888 on August 18th, 2023.
PMID:42415053 | DOI:10.1186/s12905-026-04616-7