HUB City Steps: Impact of a 6‐month community‐based, motivational interviewing‐enhanced walking intervention targeting African Americans on blood pressure, anthropometrics, and fitness

This study measured blood pressure (BP)using an average of 2 readings, hypertension(HTN)/medication history, body mass index(BMI), waist circumference (WC) in cm, and a 6‐minute walk test (6‐MWT) at baseline, 3‐ and 6‐months among community members participating in a motivational interviewing‐enhanced walking intervention (n=269). 190 participants retained at 6 months were stratified by HTN/medication history (normotensive: NT, hypertensive taking medication: HTM, hypertensive not taking medication: HNTM). BP measures were compared by repeated measures ANOVA. Other measures were compared with paired t‐tests. From baseline to 6‐months, mean systolic BP was significantly decreased for both NT and HTM (5.0 ± 13.8 mm Hg (p<.001); 9.8 ± 17.7mm Hg (p<.001), respectively), but not among HNTM. Mean diastolic BP was significantly decreased in all three groups (NT: 3.7 ± 10.3 mm Hg (p<.001); HTM: 4.6 ± 11.8 mm Hg (p<.01); HNTM: 6.0 ± 10.3 mm Hg (p<.05)). Among all participants from baseline to 6‐months, BMI decreased 0.4 ±1.8 (p=0.008) and WC decreased 2.0 ± 14.3 cm (p=0.066). Mean distance walked during the 6‐MWT increased 6.4 ± 10.3 meters from baseline to 6 months (p=0.09). The community‐based intervention had the most impact on both systolic and diastolic BP among NT and HTM; however, HNTM also realized benefits in diastolic BP. Supported by: NIH/NCMHHD 3R24MD002787‐01 S1. Content is sole responsibility of the authors.