Assess, Plan, Do, Evaluate, and Report: Iterative Cycle to Remove Academic Control of a Community-Based Physical...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Gerontology
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Older adults require multicomponent physical activity interventions to maintain health and independence.
• Bridging the gap between research and practice is crucial for addressing public health challenges.
• The Cooperative Extension System offers a platform for disseminating health interventions to diverse populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To detail the longitudinal, quasi-experimental outcomes of integrating a physical activity intervention for older adults into the Cooperative Extension System.
• To evaluate the intervention across the RE-AIM (reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance) dimensions.
• To describe the application of the assess, plan, do, evaluate, report (APDER) cycle in refining the intervention over 5 years.

Main Methods:

• A 5-year longitudinal, quasi-experimental design was employed.
• The Lifelong Improvements through Fitness Together (LIFT) program, an 8-week strength-training intervention, was delivered in-person.
• The iterative APDER cycle guided intervention adaptations, with data collected annually on RE-AIM dimensions via surveys and functional fitness assessments.

Main Results:

• The LIFT program expanded to 4 states, reaching 816 older adults through 275 instructors.
• Consistent improvements in functional fitness outcomes were observed.
• The program demonstrated strong adherence, feasibility, and enjoyment among instructors and participants.

Conclusions:

• Ongoing adaptations are essential for aligning interventions with the delivery system's mission, values, and resources.
• Integrating pragmatic measures of adaptations and RE-AIM into standard evaluation pathways is vital for public health.
• Iterative APDER cycles facilitate the continuous improvement and sustainability of health interventions.