BACKGROUND: Using peer volunteers as delivery agents may improve translation of evidence-based physical activity promotion programs for older adults. This study examined whether tailored support from older peer volunteers could improve initiation and long-term maintenance of physical activity behavior. METHODS: Participants were randomized to 2 16-week, group-based programs: (1) peer-delivered, theory-based support for physical activity behavior change; or (2) an intervention typically available in community settings (basic education, gym membership, and pedometer for self-monitoring), attention-matched with health education. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was assessed via daily self-report logs at baseline, at the end of the intervention (16 weeks), and at follow-up (18 months), with accelerometry validation (RT3) in a random subsample. RESULTS:Seven peer volunteers and 81 sedentary adults were recruited. Retention at the end of the trial was 85% and follow-up at 18 months was 61%. Using intent-to-treat analyses, at 16 weeks, both groups had similar significant improvements in MVPA. At 18 months, the group supplemented with peer support had significantly more MVPA. CONCLUSIONS: Trained peer volunteers may enhance long-term maintenance of physical activity gains from a community-based intervention. This approach has great potential to be adapted and delivered inexpensively in community settings.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND: Using peer volunteers as delivery agents may improve translation of evidence-based physical activity promotion programs for older adults. This study examined whether tailored support from older peer volunteers could improve initiation and long-term maintenance of physical activity behavior. METHODS:Participants were randomized to 2 16-week, group-based programs: (1) peer-delivered, theory-based support for physical activity behavior change; or (2) an intervention typically available in community settings (basic education, gym membership, and pedometer for self-monitoring), attention-matched with health education. Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was assessed via daily self-report logs at baseline, at the end of the intervention (16 weeks), and at follow-up (18 months), with accelerometry validation (RT3) in a random subsample. RESULTS: Seven peer volunteers and 81 sedentary adults were recruited. Retention at the end of the trial was 85% and follow-up at 18 months was 61%. Using intent-to-treat analyses, at 16 weeks, both groups had similar significant improvements in MVPA. At 18 months, the group supplemented with peer support had significantly more MVPA. CONCLUSIONS: Trained peer volunteers may enhance long-term maintenance of physical activity gains from a community-based intervention. This approach has great potential to be adapted and delivered inexpensively in community settings.
Authors: Beth C Bock; Shira I Dunsiger; Joseph T Ciccolo; Eva R Serber; Wen-Chih Wu; Marie Sillice; Bess H Marcus Journal: Health Psychol Date: 2019-09-12 Impact factor: 4.267
Authors: Scott G Ravyts; Joseph M Dzierzewski; Stephanie C Grah; Matthew P Buman; Adrienne T Aiken-Morgan; Peter R Giacobb; Beverly L Roberts; Michael Marsiske; Christina S McCrae Journal: Clin Gerontol Date: 2017-07-25 Impact factor: 2.619
Authors: Ana M Abrantes; Donnell Van Noppen; Genie Bailey; Lisa A Uebelacker; Matthew Buman; Michael D Stein Journal: Ment Health Phys Act Date: 2021-08-14
Authors: Ashley F Curtis; Joseph M Dzierzewski; Matthew P Buman; Peter R Giacobbi; Beverly L Roberts; Adrienne T Aiken-Morgan; Michael Marsiske; Christina S McCrae Journal: J Clin Sleep Med Date: 2021-02-01 Impact factor: 4.062
Authors: Kay L Cox; Elizabeth V Cyarto; Christopher Etherton-Beer; Kathryn A Ellis; Helman Alfonso; Linda Clare; Danny Liew; David Ames; Leon Flicker; Osvaldo P Almeida; Dina LoGiudice; Nicola T Lautenschlager Journal: BMC Geriatr Date: 2017-09-13 Impact factor: 3.921