# Keep it Movin': A Church-based Intervention to Improve Physical Function in African Americans

> **NIH NIH P50** · UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · 2021 · $688,119

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Persons with Multiple Chronic Conditions (MCCs) experience increased risk of disability, reduced quality of life,
increased hospitalizations, and death. The burden of MCCs falls particularly hard on African Americans (AAs)
who have a higher prevalence of multimorbidity than non-Hispanic whites and Hispanics, and have earlier
declines in physical functioning and higher prevalence of disability. In our work in Chicago’s west side AA
community, we have observed these adverse impacts of MCCs on physical functioning. For over a decade, Rush
researchers and AA churches have collaborated through the Alive Faith Network (AFN) to work for health equity
in the Chicago region. Recent health screenings with congregants and the community demonstrated high rates
of lower extremity physical function limitations, with physical function limitations most common among those with
chronic illness. Since physical activity (PA) offers an effective approach to reducing morbidity and mortality
among persons experiencing MCC-associated impairments, Church partners have called for the testing of PA
interventions that might address this health challenge. Investigators will therefore test a multi-level PA program
that community members named Keep It Movin’ (KIM). The KIM intervention builds on the evidence-based
Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders (LIFE) Study which showed that a structured PA program
can reduce mobility disability among older adults with limitations of physical function. Findings from the LIFE
intervention have not been previously tested in predominantly AA communities. Participants in the KIM pilot
study reported significant barriers to engaging in recommended PA, including symptoms such as pain and
dyspnea, fear of injury, and functional limitations. We have therefore adapted the LIFE intervention for
implementation, adding functional education to help overcome barriers to starting and maintaining regular PA
among persons with MCCs. We hypothesize that this augmented intervention, which enhances capability of
church members through additional social support and education by knowledgeable rehabilitation specialists,
will lead to both increased physical function and increased PA among AA adults with PF limitations due to MCCs.
The study will determine if, relative to matched participants from comparator churches, participants receiving the
Keep it Movin’ intervention will have improved physical function at 6 months, as documented by mean SPPB
scores at least 0.50 points higher. Secondary aims include testing the KIM intervention relative to an education
comparator condition at 6 and 12 months on outcomes of Moderate or Vigorous PA, social support for PA, self-
efficacy for PA, quality of life and self-reported physical functioning. We will use the RE-AIM framework to assess
reach and factors driving successful adoption, implementation, and maintenance of the Keep it Moving
intervention across churches.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10437372
- **Project number:** 1P50MD017349-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
- **Principal Investigator:** ELIZABETH B LYNCH
- **Activity code:** P50 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $688,119
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-09-24 → 2026-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10437372

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10437372, Keep it Movin': A Church-based Intervention to Improve Physical Function in African Americans (1P50MD017349-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10437372. Licensed CC0.

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