Physical Activity Research in Black and African American Women: Methodological Insights
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African American and Black women report the lowest physical activity levels across demographic groups in the United States, driving elevated rates of preventable cardiometabolic diseases. While researchers increasingly turn to mixed methods to examine how social, cultural, and environmental factors shape exercise behaviors, how effectively are these quantitative and qualitative insights being combined?
Key Takeaways |
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Methodological Mapping Focus: Rather than evaluating intervention outcomes, this review systematically analyzes how mixed methods studies are designed, integrated, and reported to identify gaps in research practices. |
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Rigorous Scoping Methodology: Following Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidance and PRISMA-ScR standards, the review evaluates peer-reviewed studies published between February 2011 and February 2026 across seven major databases. |
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Evaluating Integration Quality: The protocol specifically examines integration strategies, timing, data mixing, meta-inferences, and the use of visual integration tools like joint displays. |
In a study protocol published in JMIR Research Protocols, lead author Annette Moore Hubbell, RN, PhD and colleagues at Illinois State University outline a methodological scoping review designed to map the integration, design typologies, and reporting practices of mixed methods physical activity research in this population over a 15-year period.
The Design of Health Equity Research
Why do physical activity disparities persist, and how can research methods better capture their root causes? By synthesizing quantitative behavioral data alongside qualitative insights into lived experience, mixed methods offer a comprehensive framework for health equity research.
The upcoming review will map current methodological choices, helping researchers design more transparent, equity-informed studies that address the structural and social determinants of physical activity.
Discover how this protocol sets the foundation for rigorous health equity research:
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Read the Full Open-Access Protocol to explore the complete search strategy, eligibility framework, and data extraction instrument.
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Watch the Author Video to hear Annette Moore Hubbell discuss the scoping review rationale and methodology.
| In this video, Annette Moore Hubbell, RN, PhD from Illinois State University presents a protocol for a methodological scoping review examining mixed methods studies on physical activity practices among African American and Black women in the United States. |
In the Author's Words
"Our goal is to create a clear structured plan for examining how researchers combine quantitative and qualitative data to better understand physical activity behaviours in this population. By laying out this process in advance, we support transparency, reproducibility, and a stronger foundation for future mixed methods research that promotes health equity."
— Annette Moore Hubbell, RN, PhD (Illinois State University)
Moore Hubbell A, Killingsworth L, Shropshire M
Mixed Methods Studies Examining the Physical Activity Practices Among African American and Black Women: Protocol for a Methodological Scoping Review
JMIR Res Protoc 2026;15:e93012
URL: https://www.researchprotocols.org/2026/1/e93012
DOI: 10.2196/93012