TY - JOUR
T1 - Peer volunteers improve long-term maintenance of physical activity with older adults
T2 - a randomized controlled trial.
AU - Buman, Matthew
AU - Giacobbi, Peter R.
AU - Dzierzewski, Joseph M.
AU - Aiken Morgan, Adrienne
AU - McCrae, Christina S.
AU - Roberts, Beverly L.
AU - Marsiske, Michael
PY - 2011
Y1 - 2011
N2 - 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. 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. 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. 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.
AB - 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. 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. 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. 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.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84856200290&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84856200290&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1123/jpah.8.s2.s257
DO - 10.1123/jpah.8.s2.s257
M3 - Article
C2 - 21918240
AN - SCOPUS:84856200290
SN - 1543-3080
VL - 8 Suppl 2
SP - S257-266
JO - Journal of physical activity & health
JF - Journal of physical activity & health
ER -