Development and Evaluation of Community-Based Strength Training Programs
Grant
Overview
abstract
The most recent National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data collected from 1998-2004 indicates that only 21.9% of men and 17.5% of women in 2004 reported that they strength trained two or more times per week which is much lower than the national objective of 30 % and calls attention to the need for more programs to increase strength training among adults.Most of the data collected on the results of strength training programs have been in a research setting or a gym and completed over a four to six month period of time. Many adults find working out in a gym or research setting for a long period of time to be intimidating. A solution to this problem would be to offer a research-based strength training program, i.e. the. Strong Women program developed by Tufts University, in a non-threatening community setting (i.e. an Extension office) for a
shorter period of time (6 weeks). Individuals who participate in this program will attend strength training and nutrition classes twice a week for six weeks. As a result, they will increase their arm and leg strength, improve their eating habits, and their ability to complete daily activities.
