Table 3.

Study Characteristics and Brief Description of Intervention

Study; geographic setting	Study setting, target age group, sample size	Brief description
Kochevar et al. (2001); Southcentral (Oklahoma City area, OK)	Urban community-based health clinic, American Indian older adults aged 55–75 years, N = 22 (86% female)	Conducted a randomized controlled study with pre–post measures, evaluating the impact of a group exercise class on PA level and health. This 6-week, 40-min, two times per week exercise intervention was modeled after other fitness programs designed for older adults. Intervention components included exercises to increase flexibility, increase mobility, and reduce pain in muscles and joints. Instructional classes featured a 10-min warm-up, 20-min low-impact workout (moderate-level exertion), and 10-min cool down. Reported no between-group differences, reported improved within-group PA levels, and reported increased indicators of psychosocial and physical health. Authors conclude such a program could be made available at additional health clinics serving AI older adults, and physicians should review exercise programs to increase activity with older patients.
Sawchuk, Charles, et al. (2008); Northwest (Seattle area, WA)	Urban community-based health clinic, American Indian older adults aged 50–74 years, N = 125 (74% female)	Conducted a randomized controlled trial with pre–post measures, evaluating impact of self-monitoring practices on PA and health. This 6-week intervention included self-monitoring paper logs to be completed at home daily. The active control group was provided logs, a review of physical activities that can be completed at home, and an educational handout on the health benefits of PA. The experimental group was provided a pedometer in addition to the logs, review, and handout. All participants received a 5- to 10-min phone call at weeks 2 and 4 from a research assistant to check-in and encourage PA participation. Authors reported no between-group differences; however, they reported improved within-group overall PA amount and frequency, and increased vitality. Authors conclude that PA interventions for this population can be tailored for delivery in the primary care treatment setting and suggest objective measurements in future research and measurement of study adherence.
Sawchuk et al. (2011) Northwest (Seattle area, WA)	Urban community-based health clinic, American Indian older adults aged 50–85 years, N = 36 (69% female)	Conducted a randomized controlled trial with pre–post measures, evaluating the impact of self-monitoring and weekly goal setting on PA and health. The 6-week intervention included self-monitoring of daily steps using a pedometer and paper activity log. The pedometer-only group received the pedometer and log, and instructions on how to use both. The GS group received the pedometer, log, instructions, and information on how to track their baseline weekly step average and identify a weekly goal to increase step count by 5%. All participants received a 5- to 10-min phone call weekly from a research assistant to check-in and encourage PA participation. For the GS group, phone calls included setting a new weekly step-count goal. Authors reported no significant between-group differences on PA outcomes; however, the GS group significantly improved mental health scores compared with the pedometer-only group. Within-group differences included improved distance on a 6-min walking test, increased overall exercise activities and moderate-intensity activities, and improved social functioning, vitality, and mental health. Authors conclude walking can be easily promoted and disseminated in primary care and community settings to address barriers to PA and exercise.

Note: AI = American Indian; GS = pedometer plus goal-setting group; PA = physical activity.