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ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVE: Examine interactive effects of life events, perceived stress and depressive symptoms during a randomized controlled aerobics intervention among women (aged 18-30) in the urban U.S. Midwest, 2006-2009. METHOD: Participants [n=372 at baseline and n=303 at follow up] completed perceived stress, depressive symptoms and life events scales at baseline and 5-6 month follow-up. Life events were correlated with perceived stress and depressive symptoms scales using Pearson correlation. Multivariate linear regression tested the relationship between the 20 most common life events with perceived stress and depressive symptoms. Regression models explored relationships between life events, perceived stress and depressive symptoms and the intervention effect. RESULTS: Higher levels of perceived stress and depressive symptoms correlated with more life events. At baseline, for every additional life event, depressive symptoms were higher; follow-up showed marginal significance with depressive symptoms, but a strong positive association with perceived stress. In the stratified model, for every life event at follow up, the perceived stress scale increased by 0.68 in the exercise group, but not in the controls. For every life event at follow-up, depressive symptoms were higher in controls, but not in the exercise group. CONCLUSION: Perceived stress and depressive symptoms co-occurred with life events at baseline and follow-up for participants. At follow up, perceived stress increased significantly among exercisers; depressive symptoms were significantly higher among controls. Findings suggest that new participation in structured physical activity entails a change in daily life that may buffer against depressive symptoms in relation to life events but not perceived stress.
Mental health and physical activity. 12/2012; 5(2):148-154.
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ABSTRACT: The Majority of women do not meet recommended physical activity (PA) guidelines. Assessment on changes in PA patterns among young, healthy US women was therefore performed. PA changes were assessed from self-reported PA at baseline (year 1) and follow-up (year 2). Participants [N=127] aged 18-30 years had completed a randomized controlled aerobics trial. A two-sample test of proportions tested the sample changes in PA; a paired t test assessed the within-person changes. A multivariate logistic regression model assessed the demographic predictors of meeting PA levels in year 2 (6 months post-intervention). Women who met the recommended PA used a combination of leisure and lifestyle PA at both timepoints. In year 2, attaining the recommended PA levels through leisure-time PA increased, while work-related and active transit PA decreased. Leisure-time physical activity at moderate and vigorous levels of intensity is recommended to ensure that young women meet the recommended PA levels and obtain health benefits.
Translational behavioral medicine. 06/2012; 2(2):129-136.
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ABSTRACT: The purpose of this report is to identify factors associated with attrition and adherence of young women to a 16-week randomized aerobic exercise intervention on biomarkers associated with breast cancer risk. The exercise group was prescribed a progressive weight-bearing aerobic exercise program consisting of 30 minute workouts, 5 times/wk for 16 weeks. Adherence was calculated as the average minutes of exercise per week during participation in the study. Of the total of 212 women randomized into the exercise intervention 46 dropped out, of which 82.5% dropped out during the earlier stages of exercise suggesting that reasons for withdrawal may have been related to difficulties with initiating physical activity. Time commitment or lack of time was the primary reason for withdrawal. Drop outs reported lower physical activity at baseline than study completers (p=.0007). Although 78% of the 212 randomized participants completed the exercise intervention, only 4.7% of the participants exercised for at least 150 min/wk during the entire study period. Significant predictors of adherence were self-reported physical activity at baseline and depression scores. We conclude that predictors of adherence to exercise in our population of young women are similar to those reported for older adults. We also found that young women are more likely to exercise at moderate to vigorous intensity for 90 to 120 min rather than 150 min per week, even when participating in a highly structured exercise intervention.
Contemporary clinical trials 11/2011; 33(2):298-301. · 1.51 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: In this article, we explore an area little researched within the literature on body dissatisfaction: the content and functions of body talk. We interviewed 60 diverse, college-educated women aged 18 to 30 in the urban United States about how social contacts talked about their bodies. Half the women, and by their reports, half their contacts (N = 295) endorsed some ideal body, most often the thin model. The other half favored a "healthy," "average" range in body size, shape, and/or appearance. Excepting family members, contacts gave mostly positive comments about women's bodies or appearance, or made no comments. Many critiqued their own bodies, however, as did nearly half the women participants. We suggest that these women exempted others, but not themselves, from critical body surveillance, rendering contestation of the ideal theoretical. We also suggest that the parallel airing of self-criticism repeatedly circulated through speech, if not through practice, the imperative to regulate one's own gendered body toward unattainable normativity.
Qualitative Health Research 04/2011; 21(9):1191-204. · 2.19 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: It is hypothesized that exercise can lead to a decrease in breast cancer risk through several hormonal and nonhormonal mechanisms. The WISER (Women In Steady Exercise Research) study investigated the effects of aerobic exercise on premenopausal sex hormone levels.
Three hundred ninety-one sedentary, healthy, young eumenorrheic women were randomized either into an exercise intervention of 30 minutes of aerobic exercise 5 times a week for approximately 16 weeks (n = 212) or into a control group (n = 179). Serum levels of estradiol, estrone sulfate, testosterone, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), all in the midfollicular phase, and of progesterone, in the midluteal phase, were measured at baseline and at the end of the 16-week period.
Compared with the controls (n = 153), exercisers (n = 166) experienced significant increases in aerobic fitness, lean body mass, and decreases in percent body fat. There were no significant changes in body weight and menstrual cycle length between or within groups. Progesterone decreased significantly in exercisers; however, this reduction was similar to that of the control group. No significant changes between or within groups were found for any of the other sex hormones or SHBG.
In premenopausal women, 16 weeks of 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic exercise in young women did not significantly alter sex hormone or SHBG levels.
Any favorable effects that moderate aerobic exercise without an associated weight change may have on breast cancer risk in premenopausal women are unlikely to be a consequence of changes in levels of sex hormones or SHBG.
Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention 04/2011; 20(6):1098-106. · 4.12 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The factors influencing exercise adherence are not well characterized in women in their premenopausal years.
The purpose of this report is to provide an analysis of demographic factors contributing to women's adherence to a 2-year twice-weekly weight training intervention. Overweight and obese premenopausal women were randomized to a control or intervention group.
During the supervised period of the intervention (months 1 to 4), adherence was significantly lower among those with a higher level of education and among unmarried women with children aged 6 to 12 compared with married women without children (F = 4.83, P = .004). Overall adherence during the supervised and unsupervised periods was 95.4% and 64.5%, respectively (unadjusted mean). During year 1, white women were significantly more adherent to the intervention (70.3%) than women of color (48.6%). Non-married women with children 13 years or older were significantly less adherent than married women with children 5 years or younger (36.3% versus 75.4%, respectively, P < .007). Overall adherence was 51.4% in year 2.
Interventions and public health recommendations need to further consider how to engage communities to provide effective support for long-term adherence to fitness center based exercise of all women, regardless of demographics.
Journal of physical activity & health 01/2011; 8(1):111-8. · 1.95 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Observational studies have shown that physical activity is inversely associated with breast cancer etiology. WISER is a randomized controlled trial examining the effects of exercise training on oxidative stress, and hormonal and metabolic factors associated with breast cancer risk.
Subjects were recruited via emails, flyers, and mass media advertising. Inclusion criteria included: sedentary, age 18-30 years, non-smokers, BMI 18-40 kg/m2, not using any hormonal contraceptives. After completion of all baseline measures subjects were randomized into a control group or an exercise intervention for 4 menstrual cycles. The exercise group was asked to complete five 45 min exercise sessions per week. Exercise intensity was set at 65-70% of maximum age- predicted heart rate (max HR) and increased every four weeks. All women provided blood samples four times during the study for measurement of blood F2-isoprostanes, hormones and IGF-axis proteins. In addition, 24-hour urine samples were collected at baseline and follow-up for measurement of estrogen metabolites, as well as 24-hour food records to monitor participants' diets.
WISER consented 683 women among which 391 enrolled and 319 successfully completed the study. The overall dropout rate was 18.4% (n=72) with a higher number of participants dropping from the exercise group (n=46). No differences were found between dropouts and completers with respect to age, body weight, BMI, and demographic characteristics with the exception of degree of education. Findings from this trial will be useful in understanding the physiologic mechanisms by which exercise possibly contributes to decreased breast cancer risk.
Contemporary clinical trials 09/2010; 31(5):457-65. · 1.51 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This research analyzes motivations expressed by young, healthy, sedentary women before and after an exercise intervention. Young women (aged 18-30, n = 39) participated in focus groups or interviews during a 4-month exercise intervention. Afterward, 22 of these women and 20 controls completed physical activity diaries for 6 months and were interviewed. For the majority of women (n = 24), obligation to the study prevailed as the motivator during the intervention. Some ( n = 15) became physically active for their own benefit. Afterward, exercisers and controls said they were physically active to feel better and/or healthy (n = 20), for body image and/ or weight loss (n = 20), or both. Women expressed motivations for physical activity in ways that resonated with self-determination theory. Their commentaries expand on theory to include experiencing multiple motivations simultaneously and motivations shifting over time and in differing contexts. Social motivations were compelling, both those associated with societal values (research, health) and cultural trends (body image).
Health Education & Behavior 08/2010; 37(4):547-67. · 1.54 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: It is important to know how physical activity is incorporated in women's lives to assess ways they can feasibly attain and maintain lifelong healthy practices. This study aimed to determine whether patterns of activity differed among young women whose physical activity met nationally recommended levels from those who did not. The sample was 42 women (aged 18-30 years) who had completed an exercise intervention (22 from the exercise group, 20 from the control group). Participants recorded pedometer steps and physical activities in diaries including form, duration and perceived exertion during 12 randomly assigned weeks over 26 weeks. We divided the sample into quartiles of moderate to vigorous physical activity to examine the composition of physical activities per quartile. Walking and shopping comprised the majority of physical activity in the lowest quartile of moderate to vigorous physical activity. In the second and third quartiles, walking and household/childcare together comprised more than two-thirds of all activities. Only in the highest quartile was cardio activity (not including walking, shopping and household/childcare) the largest proportion of activity; this category stood alone as varying significantly across quartiles of moderate to vigorous physical activity (p < 0.005). Among these young adult women, self-reported "lifestyle" physical activity was not sufficient to meet recommended levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity. The one-quarter who met recommended levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity did so largely through purposeful physical activities directly associated with exercise. Further research is needed to refine means of more fully measuring physical activities that women frequently perform, with particular attention to household work, childcare and shopping and to differing combinations of activities and levels of exertion by which diverse women can meet the recommended levels. The findings of this small scale study reinforce the ongoing benefit of recommending structured, planned physical activity at moderate and vigorous levels of intensity to young, healthy women to ensure they obtain the health benefits.
Women & Health 12/2009; 49(8):642-61. · 1.00 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The present study examined factors associated with adherence to a strength training (ST) intervention in a randomized controlled intervention trial testing whether twice-weekly strength training over 2 years could prevent age-associated increases in body fat in 80 overweight to mildly obese women, aged 25-44 years. Two sets of focus groups (FGs) were conducted with 25 women of color and 24 Caucasian participants, representing 60% of intervention participants. Fifty-five percent of FG participants had low adherence (defined as < or = 80% adherence to twice-weekly gym-based strength training). Demographic data indicated that marital status and childcare responsibilities affected adherence. Participants' perceptions of experiences in the ST intervention did not correspond to adherence levels or vary by race/ethnicity. Major impediments to adherence included competing obligations and related scheduling difficulties; life transitions; and declining or insufficient social motivators.
Women & Health 02/2008; 47(2):41-62. · 1.00 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To gain insight into parents' perceptions of the food preferences of their young adolescents, and their negotiating and decision-making strategies around food purchasing and meals, four focus groups were held with 32 African-American parents and three focus groups with 14 Spanish-dominant, first-generation immigrant Latina mothers. Most participants were of low socioeconomic status and were single parents. Many African-American parents emphasized children's growing appetites and preferences for fast food. Many reported making weekday dinner decisions jointly with the child or allowing the child to eat a lunch-like alternative, and allowing serve-yourself meals on weekends. A few prepared traditional ethnic foods. Latina parents reported that their children liked ethnic foods and fast/junk foods. They emphasized buying foods their children wanted, making no eating restrictions, and preparing traditional ethnic dinners without alternatives. African-American and Latina parents displayed concern over whether to place restrictions on young adolescents' eating. Further research is needed on the ways in which socioeconomic inequalities compound barriers to healthful eating, with particular attention to low income and immigrant populations.
Journal of the American Dietetic Association 12/2006; 106(11):1846-50. · 3.59 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The study aimed to collect descriptive information on the decision-making processes of adult shoppers around food purchases when young children are present. Anthropological field observations were conducted on adult-child grocery shoppers. Eleven supermarkets in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan region. A convenience sample (n = 142) of adult-child shoppers at 8 budget and 3 deluxe supermarkets located in diverse urban and suburban areas. Observations registered adult-child interactions over food selections, including parental yielding or refusal strategies and child engagement in shopping. Means and frequencies were calculated for food items considered. In 67 (50.4%) of the total 133 observations, a child initiated a request. Half (55.2%) of the requests were for sweets or snacks. Nearly half (47.8%) of adults yielded to the child's request. Brands and marketing techniques appeared to be a factor in 28.6% of selections. The most frequent adult refusals either provided an explanation or ignored the request. Adults yield to children's requests for sweets and snacks nearly as often as they refuse them. However, effective refusal strategies are used by many adults. Opportunities exist in the grocery store for adults to reinforce young children's interest in food and nutrition.
Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior 38(3):183-8. · 1.69 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: This pilot study examined nutrition-related attitudes that may affect food choices at fast-food restaurants, including consumer attitudes toward nutrition labeling of fast foods and elimination of value size pricing.
A convenience sample of 79 fast-food restaurant patrons aged 16 and above (78.5% white, 55% female, mean age 41.2 [17.1]) selected meals from fast-food restaurant menus that varied as to whether nutrition information was provided and value pricing included and completed a survey and interview on nutrition-related attitudes.
Only 57.9% of participants rated nutrition as important when buying fast food. Almost two thirds (62%) supported a law requiring nutrition labeling on restaurant menus. One third (34%) supported a law requiring restaurants to offer lower prices on smaller instead of bigger-sized portions.
This convenience sample of fast-food patrons supported nutrition labels on menus. More research is needed with larger samples on whether point-of-purchase nutrition labeling at fast-food restaurants raises perceived importance of nutrition when eating out.
American journal of health promotion: AJHP 20(4):247-50. · 2.37 Impact Factor
