The effectiveness of community based physical activity interventions with Aboriginal peoples

Though historically rare, Aboriginal individuals continue to experience greater levels of cardiovascular disease than the general Canadian population. Increasing evidence indicates rising sedentary behaviors from the traditional healthy and active lifestyles of this population.

Objective: This investigation aimed to examine the health benefits of a community-based physical activity intervention for Aboriginal Canadians.

Methods: From 2007-2010, 273 participants from the province of British Columbia, Canada were recruited through 21 Aboriginal communities representing male and females of wide ranging ages and health statuses. Participants attended identical testing of body composition, blood pressure, total and high density lipoprotein cholesterols, and physical activity behavior pre-and post-training. Participants completed one of three self-selected 13 week interventions: walking (n=149), walk/running (n=86), or running (n=27).

Results: Improvements in health measures were observed for both male and female participants of all age groups and all three training programs. Male and female participants' improvements included waist circumference: 2.7 cm and 2.2 cm, total cholesterol: 0.18 mmol/L and 0.12 mmol/L, and systolic blood pressure: 2.6mm Hg and 1.5mm Hg, respectively.

Conclusions: The self-selected intensities program was successful in improving health status and physical activity for Aboriginal adults of all ages, genders and activity programs.