Educate. Exercise. Empower. Why Walk With a Doc? Initial findings suggest the importance of social connection

Research output: Contribution to conferencePosterpeer-review

Abstract

Purpose: It is widely known that regular physical activity is important to overall health and well-being. However, in Cherokee County access to exercise opportunities is not widely available compared to the State of Oklahoma and nationwide. To combat lack of access and provide health education, a Tahlequah chapter of Walk with a Doc (WWAD) began in July 2023, providing free community walk events led by local medical providers. Our objective of this research is to investigate the reason individuals chose to participate in the program and initial impacts to inform future health program design.

Methods: Adult (18+ years of age) participants of WWAD Tahlequah were emailed an electronic RedCap survey containing 41 questions of various modalities with questions related to demographics, WWAD participation, mental health, and physical health.

Results: The survey yielded 24 respondents, predominantly females (n=17) across various age groups ranging from 18-75 yo. 50% of respondents (n=12) entered this WWAD program already meeting the AHA weekly physical activity recommendation. Results from our initial survey indicate participants value the opportunity to socialize that WWAD presents over achieving physical activity goals. Majority (66.7%, n=16) also declared their physical activity levels have increased since starting WWAD.

Conclusion: These results may be biased due to small sample size and participants completing daily physical activity goals outside of WWAD.  Moreover, a recent declaration from the U.S. Surgeon General of the ongoing Loneliness Epidemic supports our findings of Americans seeking community with others. Socialization aspects of group exercise might be advantageous to consider and capitalize on when designing public health programs aimed at improving health outcomes.
Original languageAmerican English
Pages62
StatePublished - 13 Sep 2024
Event2024 Symposium on Tribal and Rural Innovations in Disparities and Equity for Health - Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Cherokee Nation, Tahlequah, United States
Duration: 13 Sep 202413 Sep 2024

Conference

Conference2024 Symposium on Tribal and Rural Innovations in Disparities and Equity for Health
Abbreviated titleSTRIDE 2024
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityTahlequah
Period13/09/2413/09/24

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