Date

12-4-2025

Department

School of Health Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences (PhD)

Chair

Mallory N. Ball

Keywords

community-based, exercise, physical activity, pre-existing conditions, modifiable conditions, motivation, adherence

Disciplines

Nursing | Public Health

Abstract

Physical inactivity is a growing problem for the health and wellbeing of the world’s population. Increases in physical activity may help to improve health outcomes for the general population of the United States. This study is two-fold and seeks to determine if community-based exercise groups are successful in improving the health of people with preexisting conditions and encouraging community members to adhere to an exercise program. A quasi-experimental 12-week comparison study consists of a control group of standard care and an intervention group that participates in a three-day a week community walking group. The purpose of the group is to determine the effects on motivation, adherence, heart health scores, and physiologic measures. Motivation and adherence are measured by the Motives for Physical Activity Measure – Revised (MPAM-R) as a pre-test and post-test. Physiologic measures (BP, heart rate, height, weight, BMI) will be gathered in week 1, week 6, and week 12. These measures are compared using paired t-tests. Heart health scores are measured using the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8, pre-test and post-test. The sample is 06 for the control group and 06 for the intervention group and is carried out at the community outdoor trails and the Riverside Community Center indoor track in Leavenworth, Kansas. The results show that the community walking group was successful in encouraging members to adhere to the recommended weekly exercise minutes.

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