Improving Physical Activity Participation in Latinas With Mindfulness

The current study is an innovative adaptive intervention tested on inactive Latinas aged 18-65 (n=258). During the initial 6 month phase, all participants will receive our evidence based physical activity (PA) intervention. At 6 months, participants who meet national PA guidelines (at least 150 mins/week of at least moderate intensity PA) will continue to receive the standard PA intervention for another 6 months. Participants who do not meet the PA guidelines, will be randomized to continue intensive PA counseling or receive attention matched PA counseling incorporating the most potent components from Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) adapted for PA. Participants in all 3 arms will be followed and compared over 18 months. The investigators will also rigorously evaluate stress as a mechanism for meeting PA guidelines using multiple measures (objective and self-report), including using wearable technology and Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA). Finally, heart health indicators will be collected to assess long term benefits of PA.

Inclusion criteria

• Female
• Generally healthy (If asthma, controlled high blood pressure and/or controlled type II diabetes, may be able to participate with physician consent)
• Sedentary (defined as participating in MVPA for 60 minutes or less per week and engaging in muscle-strengthening exercise on less than 2 days per week)
• Hispanic or Latina (self-identified)
• Must be able to read and write in Spanish fluently
• 18 - 65 years of age
• Planning on living in the area for the next 18 months
• Own a cell phone capable of sending and receiving text messages
• Required to have reliable access to the Internet via a computer or mobile device
• Must be able to receive materials in the mail, either at your own home or at a mailbox

Exclusion criteria

• BMI greater than 45
• Not able to walk continuously for 30 minutes/limited ability to complete daily activity or ability to exercise
• Exercise is against advice of doctor
• Inability to walk independently
• Current or planned pregnancy in the next 12 months
• Heart disease/treatment
• Heart murmur
• Angina/chest pain or Angina/chest pain with exertion
• Palpitations
• Stroke/Transient Ischemic Attacks
• Peripheral Vascular Disease
• Diabetes that requires insulin
• Non-insulin dependent diabetes without physician approval to participate
• Chronic infectious disease- HIV, Hepatitis C but does not have doctor approval
• Chronic liver disease
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Abnormal EKG on last EKG performed
• Emphysema, Chronic bronchitis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
• Seizure in past year
• Surgery in past year on heart, lung, joint, orthopedic surgery
• Surgery pending in next year on lung, joint, orthopedic surgery
• Unusual/concerning shortness of breath
• Asthma (may be able to participate with physician consent)
• High blood pressure/high blood pressure medication (may be able to participate with physician consent)
• Use of Beta Blockers or medicines not approved by doctor.
• Abnormal Medical Stress Test in the last 12 months
• Musculoskeletal problems
• Fainting/dizziness more than 3 times in past year OR which interferes with daily activities OR causes loss of balance
• Cancer treatment in past 3 months
• Hospitalized for psychiatric disorder in past 3 years or suicidal
• Participation in prior Seamos Activas II study or participant in other research study about exercise currently or within the last 6 months ago