An 8-week physical activity intervention for Australian Indigenous adults to improve their functional capacity.

Description of intervention(s) / exposure: The aim of this study is to evaluate a culturally tailored 8 week physical activity intervention among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults in rural communities. The objectives will be to measure overall levels of physical activity and step counts, metabolic markers, perceived quality of life and other health behaviours and outcomes before, immediately after and 12 weeks after the intervention. The program will be delivered through one-hour, face-to-face group sessions, four times per week for eight weeks. Two of the weekly session will moderate intensity sessions, will be delivered with the assistance of the principal investigator who is a qualified Sport and Exercise Scientist. The moderate intensity session will include circuit training and team sports, with adaptations made to incorporate individual fitness levels. The remaining two sessions will self-paced low intensity walking sessions (male and female groups) will be conducted by community leaders. Involving community leaders is important to assist with the eventual changeover and sustainability of the program. Moderate and low intensity will be alternated during the intervention period. Each session will have a sign in sheet to monitor the program dose responses and implementation fidelity. The activities will be conducted at free community facilities such as walking tracks and football fields so there is no cost to participants. A cost benefit analysis will be conducted to determine if the project was 'value for money'. A focus group will be conducted after the intervention to explore participants’ experiences with the program and suggestions for future programs.