Feasibility of implementing the Strong for Life program in community settings

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Home-based exercise programs are crucial for maintaining the health of older adults.
• Community-based dissemination models are needed to reach frail, homebound populations.
• Volunteer caregiving organizations can serve as effective platforms for health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the dissemination of the Strong for Life home exercise program within the Faith in Action volunteer caregiving network.
• To assess the feasibility, acceptability, and safety of this community-based dissemination model.
• To examine participant adherence and outcomes, including social functioning.

Main Methods:

• 105 frail, homebound older adults were recruited from 10 Faith in Action sites.
• 103 lay volunteers were trained by physical therapists to deliver the Strong for Life program.
• Surveys were administered to older adults, volunteers, and sites at baseline and after 4 months.

Main Results:

• High satisfaction reported: 100% of volunteers and 98.6% of older adults rated the program positively.
• Moderate adherence observed: Participants exercised 2.2 times/week on average, with 53% exercising 2-4 times/week.
• Significant improvement in social functioning (Short Form-20) and no serious adverse events.

Conclusions:

• Disseminating the Strong for Life program through trained lay volunteers in community settings is feasible, acceptable, and safe.
• Volunteer caregiving organizations like Faith in Action provide a viable channel for delivering exercise programs to frail older adults.
• This model supports the widespread adoption of effective late-life exercise interventions.