Evidence Summary
What is an Evidence Summary?
Key messages from scientific research that's ready to be acted on
Got It, Hide thisPeer-led exercise programs can improve adherence rates and physical-activity levels in older adults
Burton E, Farrier K, Hill KD, et al. Effectiveness of peers in delivering programs or motivating older people to increase their participation in physical activity: Systematic review and meta-analysis Journal of Sports Sciences. 2018;. 36(6): 699-678.
Review question
• What is the effectiveness of peer-led or peer-support programs in encouraging older adults to be physically active and improving health outcomes?
Background
• Older adults are not meeting the recommended physical activity guidelines. Reported challenges to participating in exercise programs include social barriers such as no one to exercise with and being unsure of what to do.
• Currently, there are efforts to use peer-led or peer-support exercise programs to increase physical activity and physical function in older adults.
• This study is the first systematic review to investigate the effect of peer-led and peer-support programs on the health behaviours of older adults.
How the review was done
• A detailed search of a number of electronic databases for studies published from 1976 to 2016 was conducted. Studies that focused on physical activity or exercise, peer or mentor, and elder or aging were included in the review.
• A total of 20,093 studies were identified in searches and 18 were included in the review after assessments for eligibility.
• This review was funded by the Australian Government’s Collaborative Research Network program.
What the researchers found
• Peer-led exercise may be just as effective as using professionals in maintaining older adults’ participation in exercise programs.
• However, the meta-analysis did not confirm whether peer-led programs improved physical function in older adults.
• Most medium-quality studies found that peer-support initiatives (such as providing advice, education and mentorship) not directly linked to the exercise intervention helped to improve adherence rates and physical-activity levels.
Conclusion
• Evidence suggests that using peer-led exercise programs may positively influence physical-activity behaviours in older adults.
• Further study with larger sample sizes is recommended to validate these results and understand whether peer support can improve physical function.
Related Topics
Glossary
Advanced statistical methods contrasting and combining results from different studies.
A comprehensive evaluation of the available research evidence on a particular topic.
Related Evidence Summaries
-
Nutritional strategies can improve body composition in underweight and overweight older adults
JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports (2016) -
Exercise alone, and in combination with different fall prevention strategies may lower the risk of falls leading to injuries in older adults 65 and over
JAMA: Journal of the American Medical Association (2017) -
Developing community-based coalitions and developing competences of older adults are important to promote physical activity
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2017)
Related Web Resources
-
Patient education: Pelvic floor muscle exercises (Beyond the Basics)
UpToDate - patient informationPelvic floor muscles work to support the organs in the pelvis, such as the bladder and rectum. When these muscles are weakened—naturally through age, an injury, or some other contributing factor—it can result in urinary and fecal incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Pelvic floor exercises (i.e. Kegel exercises) can help to enhance the strength of these muscles and improve symptoms. -
After a stroke: Does fitness training improve health and mobility?
Informed Health OnlineFitness training after a stroke can improve physical fitness and mobility, but can require a lot of effort and motivation. Examples of fitness training include Nordic walking, treadmills, or exercise bikes. -
Too fit to fracture: Managing osteoporosis through exercise
Osteoporosis CanadaIf you have osteoporosis, it is recommended to exercise regularly. A physical therapist or kinesiologist can give you advice on what type of exercise is best for you. You should do a combination of strength, posture, balance, and aerobic exercise.
Register for free access to all Professional content
RegisterOur Content
About
Support for the Portal is largely provided by the Labarge Optimal Aging Initiative. AGE-WELL is a contributing partner. Help us to continue to provide direct and easy access to evidence-based information on health and social conditions to help you stay healthy, active and engaged as you grow older. .
