| This study examined the impact of a faith community-based health and fitness promotion program. This study is unique in that investigated one of the few ongoing programs of this nature in the United States. This cross-sectional study explored psychosocial, anthropometric, and physical fitness differences of study participants. Specifically, this research examined the fear of falling, exercise self-efficacy, health-related quality of life, depression levels, and social support for exercise as well as demographic characteristics, levels of religiosity, physical activity adherence rates, physical health characteristics, and functional fitness levels of middle-aged and older adults. The results from this study suggest that this type of programming can favorably impact the health and wellness of individuals who claim membership in a faith community. Specifically, through continued involvement in the health promotion program participant's demonstrated improved lower body strength, lower body flexibility, dynamic balance, exercise self-efficacy, quality of life (e.g., physical functioning and social functioning) and heightened perceived social support for exercise. Implications of the research findings are discussed as well as suggestions for future research. |
