Activo: Assessing the feasibility of designing and implementing a physical activity intervention for latino men

Background: No physical activity (PA) interventions have specifically targeted Latino men despite marked health disparities in this group. Therefore, we explored the feasibility of designing a PA intervention for Latino men. Methods: We conducted six qualitative interviews with Latino men and used their feedback to modify an existing PA intervention, then conducted a 12-week demonstration trial of the adapted intervention. Results: Themes from interviews included work and family conflicts and preferring team sports. In the demonstration trial of the modified intervention, participants (N = 10) increased PA from 1.3 minutes/week (SD = 4.75) at baseline to 125.5(SD = 154.86) at follow-up (p < .05). Retention was high and participants expressed enthusiasm for the program. Conclusions: Existing interventions could be effectively modified to target physical activity in Latino men. © 2014 by the Men's Studies Press, LLC

Isometric handgrip as an adjunct for blood pressure control: a primer for clinicians

Considered a global health crisis by the World Health Organization, hypertension (HTN) is the leading risk factor for death and disability. The majority of treated patients do not attain evidence-based clinical targets, which increases the risk of potentially fatal complications. HTN is the most common chronic condition seen in primary care; thus, implementing therapies that lower and maintain BP to within-target ranges is of tremendous public health importance. Isometric handgrip (IHG) training is a simple intervention endorsed by the American Heart Association as a potential adjuvant BP-lowering treatment. With larger reductions noted in HTN patients, IHG training may be especially beneficial for those who (a) have difficulties continuing or increasing drug-based treatment; (b) are unable to attain BP control despite optimal treatment; (c) have pre-HTN or low-risk stage I mild HTN; and (d) wish to avoid medications or have less pill burden. IHG training is not routinely prescribed in clinical practice. To shift this paradigm, we focus on (1) the challenges of current HTN management strategies; (2) the effect of IHG training; (3) IHG prescription; (4) characterizing the population for whom it works best; (5) clinical relevance; and (6) important next steps to foster broader implementation by clinical practitioners

Interventions to Promote Physical Activity Among African Americans

This article provides a summary of recent physical activity intervention research conducted among African Americans. As prior reviews have been published in this area, the authors updated the literature by focusing on the past 8 years. Overall, there has been an increase in the number and methodological rigor of the studies in this area. Thirty studies published in peer-reviewed journals were included in the current review. Results from 18 of these studies indicated that interventions produced significant increases in activity behavior among African American participants. Recent improvements in this research include larger sample sizes, more randomized controlled trials, and increased use of reliable and valid self-report measures, objective assessment tools, and theoretical backgrounds for interventions. However, attrition and long-term exercise adherence remain problematic in this area of research