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Effectiveness of the First step Program delivered by professionals versus peers
Catrine Tudor-Locke1, Nicola Lauzon, Anita M Myers
1Walking Behavior Laboratory, Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
A lifestyle physical activity (PA) program effectively improved health for type 2 diabetes patients. Peer-led delivery showed similar results to professional-led programs, offering a scalable solution for diabetes education centers.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Type 2 diabetes management requires effective lifestyle interventions.
- Physical activity (PA) is crucial for diabetes self-care.
- Diabetes education centers are key settings for intervention delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of a theory-based lifestyle PA program.
- To evaluate delivery by professionals versus peer leaders.
- To assess impact on individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Main Methods:
- 16-week comparison of PA (steps/day) and health variables.
- Two groups: professional-led (n=157) vs. peer-led (n=63).
- Repeated Measures ANOVA (RMANOVA) used for analysis.
Main Results:
- Significant increase in daily steps (4,059 steps/day, ~37 min walking).
- Significant improvements in weight, waist girth, blood pressure, and heart rate.
- No significant differences in outcomes between professional and peer-led groups.
Conclusions:
- Theory-based PA programs are effective in real-world settings.
- Peer-led delivery is a viable, resource-efficient alternative.
- Peer leaders can reduce caseload demands on diabetes educators, aiding program dissemination.
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