A Feasibility Study Assessing a Culturally Relevant Physical Activity Intervention for Midlife Filipino Women

Abstract

Introduction: Regular participation in physical activity (PA) can prevent chronic disease and mental illness across the lifespan and during later adulthood. Few PA interventions have been implemented in underserved Filipino American women to address health related outcomes among this population. Purpose: This study assessed the effect of a culturally relevant community-based Zumba® program on anthropometrics, physical fitness, and exercise motivation among midlife Filipino women. Methods: We employed a single-group pretest-posttest design. Twenty-one female participants were recruited from Filipino community-based organizations (CBOs) in the Greater Philadelphia region. Sixteen female participants (N=16, M age = 55.88, SD = ± 9.479) completed the 8-week program, which consisted of attending three Zumba classes per week at the Filipino CBOs, which was led by a certified Zumba instructor of Filipino ethnicity. A paired samples t-test was conducted to detect the differences between the pre-and post-outcome measures. Results: A total of 16 out of 21 participants completed the intervention and the post-intervention assessment (76% retention rate). Adherence to the Zumba classes was 42.46% among participants who completed the post-intervention. With regards to pre-and post-primary outcome measures, there was a significant reduction in body weight (-3.18±2.61 lbs., p < 0.001), body mass index (BMI) (-0.44±0.49 kg/m 2 , p = 0.002), and increase in flexibility (1.93±3.22 cm, p = 0.035) among participants. There were no statistically significant differences in exercise motivation inventory (EMI-2) subscales, except affiliation scores increased among participants overall (-0.750±1.38, p = 0.047). Discussion: The incorporation of this community-based program can be a promising approach for potentially enhancing health outcomes for underserved Asian American populations such as Filipino Americans. Future research can examine the long-term impacts of Zumba and other exercise modalities for chronic disease prevention and management.

Factors Influencing Physical Activity Participation among Midlife Immigrant Women: A Systematic Review

“…Nine (41%, 9/22) studies addressed language accommodations specific to the needs of midlife immigrant women participants [ 27 , 28 , 32 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 ]. A bilingual research team or physical activity instructor who spoke English and the respective language of the participant cohort facilitated language accommodation [ 28 , 32 , 36 , 39 , 40 , 41 ]. Another way that language accommodations were made was by making intervention materials available in the respective languages of participants.…”

“…Five (23%, 5/22) studies incorporated various logistical adjustments by implementing interventions at convenient locations and appropriate times with features such as childcare services and transportation vouchers [ 27 , 33 , 39 , 40 , 43 ]. Most of the included studies that were conducted in-person took place in convenient settings such as community centers, religious centers and even individual participant homes which were agreed upon by researchers and participants.…”

“…Most of the included studies that were conducted in-person took place in convenient settings such as community centers, religious centers and even individual participant homes which were agreed upon by researchers and participants. In particular, one study was held in a setting within a 5-mile radius of the participants’ residence [ 39 ]. Another study conducted among midlife Korean–Chinese women found that both location and time were convenient for participants when orientations and assessments were performed at a migrant resource center on Sundays [ 27 ].…”

Evaluating psychosocial and physical activity outcomes following an intervention among Filipino Americans

“…Educational materials were tailored to reflect Filipino cultural values and beliefs related to PA, including qualitative research from previous pilot studies and published literature highlighting psychological and environmental related barriers, and facilitators to PA participation among this population. 13 , 41 In addition, participants were also offered a variety of culturally relevant weekly PA classes (i.e., Zumba, line dance, Hip Hop, and strength training) led by certified Filipino instructors for a period of 6 months. The selected PA classes were determined based on previous literature on preferred activities in this population.…”

“…The selected PA classes were determined based on previous literature on preferred activities in this population. 13 , 41 All educational workshops and PA classes were held in a group setting of the Filipino participants and CHWs. Educational workshops and classes were provided in a mix of English and Tagalog once a week for each session.…”