The effectiveness of an Indigenous led, community-based physical activity intervention on cardio-metabolic health in Indigenous adults

Mini-Oral Presentation C2.16

Authors

  • Shannon S. D. Bredin University of British Columbia
  • Amanda de Faye University of British Columbia
  • Heather J. A Foulds University of Saskatchewan
  • Rosalin Miles University of British Columbia
  • Darren E. R. Warburton University of British Columbia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.770

Keywords:

Indigenous, Physical Activity, Cardio-Metabolic Health, Participatory Research

Abstract

Background: Despite the growing awareness of the health disparities faced by Indigenous communities in Canada, limited research exists on how to enhance the cardio-metabolic health of Indigenous peoples in culturally appropriate ways. Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of an Indigenous led, community-based walking and running physical activity (PA) program on improving health-related physical fitness and other risk factors for cardio-metabolic disease. Methods: A total of 87 adults (44.6 ± 14.9 yr) of varying health status, PA, and fitness levels participated. Six Indigenous communities in the province of British Columbia co-led the 13-wk PA intervention including weekly running and walking sessions delivered by Indigenous community members. Aerobic fitness (6 min walk test), grip strength, PA behaviour (Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire), waist circumference, blood pressure, and fasting total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, glucose, and A1C were assessed pre-and post-training. Complete post-training data was available in 52 (60%) participants. Results: With training (Mean ± SD) there were significant improvements in aerobic fitness (26.9 ± 8.0 vs. 29.1 ± 8.3 mL/kg/min), PA (% Active 27.5% vs. 39.2%), grip strength (60.9 ± 21.3 vs. 66.2 ± 21.5 kg), waist circumference (112.2 ± 19.2 vs. 109.5 ± 16.1 cm), and mean arterial blood pressure (99.4 ± 22.9 vs. 93.6 ± 16.4 mmHg), respectively. The greatest changes (p<0.05) in health-related physical fitness were seen in the participants starting the program within the lowest fitness category. There were no significant changes in lipid lipoprotein profile or markers of glucose homeostasis. Conclusions: An Indigenous led, community-based PA program was effective at improving the cardio-metabolic profile of Indigenous adults. This work supports the importance of community-based, participatory, Indigenous led health and wellness interventions. Funding: Study funded by Canadian Institutes of Health Research Grant #IA5-156528.

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Bredin, S., de Faye, A., Foulds, H., Miles, R., & Warburton, D. (2021). The effectiveness of an Indigenous led, community-based physical activity intervention on cardio-metabolic health in Indigenous adults: Mini-Oral Presentation C2.16. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.770

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