The objective of this study was to consider efficacy and effectiveness of physical activity for the prevention and management of NIDDM among minorities and older adults of the U.S. Relevant population trends and projections are discussed, followed by a review of the efficacy of physical activity based on theoretical, prospective cohort, and intervention studies. With few empirical studies available, the assessment of effectiveness is largely theoretical and focuses on potentially important issues for future studies among older adults and minorities. Efficacy studies have shown that moderate-intensity physical activity is associated with a one- to two-thirds lower incidence of NIDDM over 4–14 years and 15–20% lower glycosylated hemoglobin over 3–4 months among people with NIDDM. With physical inactivity prevalence at 60–70%, much work remains to be done to improve physical activity effectiveness. In the most vulnerable populations, physician referral and community involvement structured around stage of change and self-efficacy theories are suggested as the most promising approaches to promoting physical activity adoption and maintenance. Effectiveness or demonstration studies that test and build on stage of change, self-efficacy, and other concepts of physical activity promotion and outcomes would likely prove to be highly valuable investments for public health.
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Review Article|
July 01 1997
Physical Activity Efficacy and Effectiveness Among Older Adults and Minorities
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Daniel O Clark, PHD
Daniel O Clark, PHD
Department of Medicine and Regenstrief Institute for Health Care, Indiana University School of Medicine
Indianapolis, Indiana
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Address correspondence and reprint requests to Daniel O. Clark, PhD, Indiana University School of Medicine, Regenstrief Institute for Health Care, 1001 West Tenth St., RG-6, Indianapolis, IN 46202-2859. E-mail: [email protected].
Diabetes Care 1997;20(7):1176–1182
Article history
Received:
January 16 1997
Revision Received:
April 02 1997
Accepted:
April 02 1997
PubMed:
9203459
Citation
Daniel O Clark; Physical Activity Efficacy and Effectiveness Among Older Adults and Minorities. Diabetes Care 1 July 1997; 20 (7): 1176–1182. https://doi.org/10.2337/diacare.20.7.1176
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