Mixed Methods Studies Examining the Physical Activity Practices of African American Women: A Methodological Scoping Review Protocol (Preprint)

BACKGROUND African American women are among the least physically active demographic groups in the United States and face disproportionate burdens of chronic disease that are preventable through regular physical activity. Researchers are increasingly using mixed methods to better understand the behaviors, beliefs, and contextual factors that shape physical activity in this population. OBJECTIVE To identify, examine, and describe the key characteristics of mixed methods study designs used in research on the physical activity practices of African American women published within the past ten years, compare methodological approaches, identify gaps, and offer recommendations for future inquiry. METHODS Following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews, we will implement a three-step search strategy across seven databases (Academic Search Ultimate, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, APA PsycInfo, CINAHL Ultimate, PubMed, SocINDEX, and SPORTDiscus). Eligible studies are peer-reviewed, single mixed-methods investigations conducted in the United States that include adults (≥18 years) who identify as non-Hispanic African American/Black women, or samples with ≥50% African American women, with results reported by social classification. Two reviewers will independently screen and extract data with adjudication by a third reviewer as needed. We will chart designs (e.g., convergent, explanatory sequential, exploratory sequential), quantitative and qualitative methods, integration approaches (e.g., merging, connecting, embedding), and evidence of mixing (e.g., transformation, comparison, synthesis). Results will be summarized narratively, tabulated, and visualized in a frequency flow diagram. The process will be documented using a PRISMA 2020 flow diagram. RESULTS As this is a protocol, no results are reported. The initial search was piloted on February 1, 2026. We anticipate completing study selection, data charting, and synthesis by May 2026, with the completed review submitted in July 2026. CONCLUSIONS Mapping the application of mixed methods in studies of African American women’s physical activity will reveal methodological patterns and gaps, guiding stronger, equity-centered research designs and reporting. CLINICALTRIAL OSF Registration: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/NA9ME