Umstattd Meyer

Abstract Women residing in rural areas of the United States tend to have worse cardiovascular, mental, and pregnancy-related health than their urban counterparts. Physical activity is a modifiable and likely promising strategy to reduce these health disparities. The aim of this review is to summarize physical activity interventions in rural women in the US using the socio-ecological model of health framework.

Introduction Poor nutrition and inadequate physical activity are prevalent in many communities across the United States, contributing to rising rates of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers (1–3). Consuming a healthy diet and being physically active are not only important for preventing these health conditions but also for managing and, in some cases, improving them (1).

A broad scoping review was conducted in 2020 as part of a large project to inform PSE surveillance indicators for breastfeeding, healthy eating, and PA promotion among U.S. rural people and places. This project was contracted by the Division of Nutrition, PA, and Obesity Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). CDC partners aided in developing the review focus and provided feedback, although were not responsible for synthesizing results or drawing conclusions.