Influence of Fitness on Stress Reactivity as Measured with the Trier Social Stress Test

PURPOSE: Psychosocial stress is associated with multiple health complaints which a higher cardiorespiratory fitness may reduce stress reactivity. A higher level of fitness may assist in the reduction of stress-related risk factors. Limited studies have investigated the health and cortisol response of promotoras’ (Latina community health educators) physical activity (PA) behaviors along the South Texas Mexico Border Region. The aim of this study was to assess the associations of promotoras’ fitness on stress reactivity in promotoras. METHODS: 17 promotoras’ anthropometric measures (body mass index (BMI)), were assessed before performing Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Salivary cortisol was collected before, 10-minutes, 25-minutes, and 40-minutes post TSST via passive drool method. Self-report PA included Jurca non-exercise assessment of cardiorespiratory capacity. Promotoras also performed a 2-minute step test. All tests were assessed using Spearman correlation analyses at a significance level of .05. RESULTS: Participants’ average BMI was high (31.4±7.18 kg/m²); 76.5% were overweight or obese, 30% very or extremely obese. Physical functioning levels were low (cardiorespiratory capacity 26.0±9.1 VO2/kg/min; step test 77.4 steps/2-minutes). Salivary cortisol levels revealed significant increase at the onset of the TSST and remained significantly elevated at 10-minutes post TSST. In comparison to baseline, cortisol levels remained elevated at 25-minutes and 40-minutes post TSST. CONCLUSION: Low levels of cardiorespiratory fitness and high BMI’s may have resulted in a slower cortisol recovery time after placing the body under stress in promotoras. Regular physical activity and fitness may attenuate response to psychosocial stress and enable promotoras to achieve a healthier lifestyle

Physical Fitness and Energy Balance Activity of “Promotora” Community Health Care Workers in the South Texas-Mexico Border Region

PURPOSE: Latinas along the U.S.-Mexico border are among the most physically inactive and obese segment of the U.S. population. There is widespread recognition of the cultural appropriateness of promotoras (community health workers) in health education among Latino communities. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 17 promotoras who reside/work in the region to investigate their physical fitness and energy balance behaviors. Promotoras completed physical testing and self-report on physical activity and dietary behaviors. Participants wore an accelerometer for one week. In addition, the validity of an activity self-report instrument to assess cardiorespiratory fitness was tested. RESULTS: Participants’ average body mass index (BMI) was high (31.4±7.18 kg/m²); 76.5% were overweight or obese, 30% very or extremely obese. Physical functioning levels were low (cardiorespiratory capacity 26.0±9.1 VO2/kg/min; step test 77.4 steps/2-minutes). Objectively measured moderate-vigorous PA (114.6 ± 87.0 minutes/week) was less than PA recommendations. Accelerometry activity significantly correlated with self-report (r = 0.71, p=0.009). Participants self-reported consuming 1889.2±492.8 kCal/day. CONCLUSION: Promotoras’ energy balance behaviors were similar to women where they reside/work. Promotoras engaging in health-promoting behaviors may enhance their effectiveness as change agents in the communities they serve