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An Evaluation of Choose to Move 1999
An American Heart Association Physical Activity Program for Women
Dyann Matson Koffman, DrPH, MPH, CHES;
Terry Bazzarre, PhD;
Lori Mosca, MD, PhD, MPH;
Rita Redberg, MD, MSc, FACC;
Tom Schmid, PhD;
Wendy A. Wattigney, M Stat
Arch Intern Med. 2001;161:2193-2199.
Background Rates of physical inactivity and poor nutrition, which are 2 of the
most important modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease in women,
are substantial. Even so, studies of interventions designed to improve lifestyle
behaviors in women have been limited and often confined to particular geographical
areas.
Objective To evaluate the effect of Choose to Move on increasing women's physical
activity, improving their knowledge of heart disease and stroke, and improving
their nutrition.
Participants and Methods A prospective, nonrandomized, 12-week educational intervention designed
by the American Heart Association for women across the United States. Participants
received a welcome kit and manual with weekly information about how to manage
cardiovascular disease risk factors and how to build a support system for
lifestyle change. Women (N = 23 171) aged 25 years or older were recruited
by direct mail, the media, health care providers, and other means. Follow-up
evaluations were returned from 6389 women at 2 weeks, 5338 at 4 weeks, 4209
at 8 weeks, 3916 at 10 weeks, and 3775 at 12 weeks. Participants self-reported
their physical activity, diet, and knowledge about heart disease, stroke,
and related symptoms.
Results Ninety percent of the participants were white and 56% were aged between
35 and 54 years. Among the participants who completed the week 12 follow-up
evaluation, the percentage who reported being active (at least moderate exercise  5
times per week or >2 hours per week for the past 1 to 6 months) increased
from 32% at baseline to 67% at the program's end (P
= .001). Participants currently limiting excess calories or fat increased
from 72% to 91% at week 10 follow-up evaluation (P
= .001). The proportion correctly identifying heart disease as the leading
cause of death increased from 84% to 91% at week 10 follow-up evaluation (P<.001).
Conclusions Women who completed the Choose to Move program evaluation reported that
they significantly increased their levels of physical activity, reduced their
consumption of high-fat foods, and increased their knowledge and awareness
of cardiovascular disease risk and its symptoms. This program provides an
important model for public health, voluntary, and other health organizations
of population-based, targeted low-cost self-help programs that support the Healthy People 2010 objectives for physical activity, nutrition,
and cardiovascular health.
From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center
for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (Drs Koffman and Schmid
and Ms Wattigney), Atlanta, Ga; Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Princeton,
NJ (Dr Bazzarre); New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York City (Dr Mosca);
and Division of Cardiology, University of California, San Francisco (Dr Redberg).
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