ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of factors that are associated with physical activity participation among African Americans, and a review of research on physical activity promotion strategies among African Americans. It discusses of implications and potential next steps for continuing to address and promote physical activity among African Americans. African Americans are disproportionately impacted by a number of health concerns and chronic diseases across the lifespan, particularly disparities that could be positively impacted by increased levels of physical activity. Physical and economic environments relate directly to the availability and quality of resources that are available for engaging in physical activity, including tangible resources that can be used for physical activity or financial resources that allow participation in physical activity. Most studies focused on increasing walking as the primary focus of physical activity; additional intervention strategies also included group-based fitness/exercise classes, training studies to improve fitness, or resistance training/use of exercise machines.
