Correlates of Strength Training in Older Rural African American and Caucasian Women

ABSTRACT This study examined factors influencing strength training (ST) in two convenience samples of older rural women. Focus group (FG) participants were 23 Caucasian and 16 African American women aged 67.5 ± 9.2 years. Survey participants were 60 Caucasian and 42 African American women, aged 70.59 ± 9.21 years. FG participants answered questions about the risks, benefits, and barriers to ST. Survey participants completed measures of demographics, physical activity (including ST), depression and stress, decisional balance for exercise (DBE), barriers to PA, and social support (SS). Regression modeling examined correlates of ST. FG participants identified physical health gains and improved appearance as ST benefits. African American women also included mental health benefits and “feeling good.” Both Caucasian and African American groups named physical health problems as risks of ST. Caucasian women identified time constraints, lack of ST knowledge, physical health problems, lack of exercise facilities, a...