Environmental and policy approaches to increasing physical activity

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) program funded 40 communities in the United States during 1999–2007. Three of these communities implemented interventions to increase physical activity among African Americans. This case study looks at these interventions and the evidence-based recommendations from the CDC's Community Guide for Preventive Services. These recommendations address creating or improving access to physical activity and the dissemination of information via media campaigns. Findings suggest that although the evidence could not be applied in every respect, culturally-tailored change strategies can meet unique characteristics of African Americans with or at risk for heart disease and may contribute to increased physical activity.