This week we would like to spotlight the Fit for the Masters Use module of ProjectPower and how it was implemented by a Houston-based program.

Program Basics

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has created a year-round diabetes awareness program called ProjectPower, which is specifically designed for implementation in African American churches.  In this program, the church can promote awareness messages and healthy family living by participating in one of the modules called Fit for the Masters Use (Physical Activity).   In this module, participants learn the definitions of diabetes and pre-diabetes.  This module increases awareness of why physical activity is important, introduces different forms of exercise, provides suggestions for getting started, discusses the recommended amounts of exercise for adults, and increases awareness of the healthcare provider’s role. According to Sherry Grover, her program tailored the module by offering some give-a-ways such as the ProjectPower pedometer and using line dancing, which has become increasingly popular in the African American community, as exercise.

Measuring Success

Grover says that they measure program success through knowledge and program assessments. Knowledge is measured in the form of pre/post quantitative test. The questions are focused on information presented in the Fit for the Master’s Use module.  Participants are asked to not include a name on questionnaires and consent for participation is constituted by completing the forms which are optional.

The program’s success is measured by the qualitative and quantitative measures. Qualitative measures are obtained by the Ambassador Evaluation.  Ambassadors are church representative trained by the ADA to conduct the year-round modules.  Questions measured address the presentation of the workshop and the materials used in the program.

Challenges

Challenges faced in implementation include recruitment and funding.  The pastors of the churches are asked to recommend ambassadors’ or representatives from the church that can recruit church member participation.  Past participation has been low.  Some of the reasons given include: time constraints and not wanting to know about a potential illness.  “In addition,” Grover states, “funding for giveaways, materials and snacks is often a problem.”

Implementing a Similar Program in Your Community

Those interested in implementing similar programs can contact the ADA for market area, ambassador training and program materials.  The ambassador training is normally conducted at the ADA offices but can be conducted at individual churches.  After participants complete training, they are given ambassador materials for the program.  They are also given timelines.  The ADA will conduct follow-up on each participant’s progress.

How could you use this program in your community?

This week we would like to spotlight the "Physical Activity. The Arthritis Pain Reliever" campaign which aims to increase physical activity among men and women with arthritis.

The Program Basics

"Physical Activity. The Arthritis Pain Reliever" is designed to:

• Raise awareness of physical activity as a way to manage arthritis pain and increase function

• Increase understanding of how to use physical activity (types and duration) to ease arthritis symptoms and prevent further disability

• Enhance the confidence of persons with arthritis so that they can be physically active

• Increase trial of physical activity behaviors

Messages are added or edited based on research including making sure that it is congruent with the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. In Wisconsin, implementation includes the health communication campaign with targeted print and community event outreach including health fairs, bus stop posters, and billboards.

Measuring Success

The Wisconsin Arthritis Program measures program success by impressions or the number of people that have been exposed to the campaign message. Radio spots, billboards, bus benches, posters, print ads and bookmarks are all utilized to communicate the campaign message to as many individuals as possible.

In May 2010, the Wisconsin Arthritis Program conducted the health communication campaign, including statewide radio advertising with targeted print and community event outreach in several select counties; Milwaukee, Marathon, and Wood.　 The Program was highly successful in delivering over 35 million impressions of the message to adults over the age of 40 living in Wisconsin.

Challenges

As Julie Dotson mentioned, "It can be time consuming to establish partnerships within a particular community prior to beginning a campaign." The Wisconsin Arthritis Program invested 6 months prior to campaign implementation into making contacts and establishing partnerships within the community. Dotson also mentioned that it was a challenge to make sure that the program aligned with prominent community leaders that were identified by members of the community. The Program learned that selecting the right individuals to serve on a planning committee or spearhead an effort is crucial to the campaigns ultimate success.

Implementing a Similar Program in Your Community

Partnering with community based organizations that frequently serve the population that you are trying to reach is essential. The Wisconsin Arthritis Program found that building rapport with the community through trusted partners was a very strong foundation on which to implement the campaign and spread the message regarding the importance of physical activity for persons with arthritis. The Program also found tremendous success in participating in community sponsored events like health fairs.

This week we spotlight Cincinnati Veterans Affairs (VA) Management of Overweight/Obesity for Veterans Everywhere Program (MOVE!), an evidence-based lifestyle program for veterans.

The Program Basics

According to Stephanie Ciccarella, Cincinnati VA utilizes a 2-step process to promote readiness to change.  The first step offers education on nutrition, behavioral habits, and physical activity. The second step emphasizes action, like journaling, physical activity, and problem-solving personal habits. Training is offered twice a week under the supervision of a physical therapist with cardiovascular, strength training, and education during 2-hour classes.  Personal accountability is the cornerstone of the program.

Veterans begin the second step with education on the importance of regular daily activity. Each person is issued a pedometer and instructed to track their daily steps. Veterans are able to see changes in their activity levels reflected in their journals and set goals. By the end of the program, veterans take lead roles by leading exercise and supporting each other through problem solving and motivation. 

Measuring Success

"Emphasis on performance and outcome measures are keys to determining effectiveness of the program,” says Ciccarella. “They help guide program development.” 

The Cincinnati MOVE! Phase II program utilizes additional evidence-based outcome measures to help guide the development of physical activity training and education during meetings.  These outcome measures (listed below) help indicate ability to successfully participate in semi-intensive exercise, degree of health risk, and improvement in function.  By reviewing pre- and post assessment measures, each group member is able to see his or her specific improvement.

Challenges and Program Shortcomings
    
“One of the primary shortcomings of this program is its length,” says Ciccarella. A longer program would ensure a more thorough change in behavior and demonstrate greater physical progress.  Another drawback to the program is geographic availability.  Evidence demonstrates that people are more likely to maintain a physical activity schedule when resources are available within 10 miles of their homes. Some veterans must travel significant distances to participate.  Veterans are also required to commit a significant amount of time over a 6-week period.  This poses a problem for those who work, have children, or go to school. Given the nature of weight loss, the benefits of participation may not be dramatic enough to maintain motivation.  Some of the proposed answers to these problems include lengthening the program to 9 or 12 weeks, expanding Physical Therapy Clinics in all outpatient settings, and introducing more flexible scheduling. 

Outcome Measures

Implementing a Similar Program in Your Community

Cincinatti VA tailored the national MOVE! Program to fit their specific needs. To implement the program in your area, check out the original MOVE! Program at: http://www.move.va.gov/ and see how it can work for you.

How could you tailor the MOVE! program for your area?

Are you interested in having your program spotlighted? Leave a comment below and we will contact you with more information.