Background: Despite the health benefits of physical activity, increasing regular physical activity levels among low-income, ethnic-minority mothers has remained a significant challenge. Yet, few studies have examined the feasibility of implementing interventions to address physical activity barriers often experienced by this population.
Methods: The current mixed-methods feasibility study explored the impact that a three-month community-based (CBI) and a home-based intervention (HBI) had on improving physical activity and fitness levels, as well as psychosocial outcomes (self-efficacy and social support) among low-income, ethnic-minority mothers. Thirty mothers were randomized (parallel assignment design; simple random sampling) to either a three-month community-based intervention (CBI) or a home-based intervention (HBI) and completed pre- and post-intervention assessments of physical activity (self-report, accelerometer), fitness (cardiorespiratory, muscle endurance and strength, flexibility), self-efficacy, and social support. Post-intervention focus groups were also conducted. Repeated Measures ANCOVA analyses were conducted to test for possible intervention by time effects for randomization group (CBI vs. HBI) on physical activity, fitness, and psychosocial outcomes (self-efficacy and social support) across four study time points (baseline, one-month, two-month, and three-months), adjusting for baseline fitness levels.
Results: Mothers in both groups (CBI and HBI) showed significant improvements in their physical activity and fitness levels, and short-term improvements in receiving social support for physical activity. However, only mothers in the CBI group showed improvements in their self-efficacy for physical activity. Qualitative responses revealed mothers’ barriers and facilitators to program participation and suggestions for program improvement.
Conclusions: These results support the efficacy of CBIs and HBIs in improving physical activity and fitness levels and have important implications for improving health outcomes among low-income, ethnic-minority mothers (TRN: NCT05540509; 9/12/22; retrospectively registered; ClinicalTrials.org).