Translating evidence into practice: stakeholder prioritization of implementation strategies for delivering STRONGER...

Despite robust evidence and international consensus for muscle-strengthening exercise, less than one in four adults meet recommended guidelines. Sustainable implementation of strength training interventions into community practice are hindered by a range of barriers, highlighting the need for a rigorous participatory approach to plan for successful and sustainable delivery.

This study aimed to (1) apply implementation mapping to identify individual and contextual barriers and facilitators influencing adoption and delivery of STRONGER with AGE, an evidence-based strength training program for healthy aging, in community leisure settings, and (2) select stakeholder-prioritized strategies to enhance future adoption and implementation.

We conducted a mixed methods study, engaging stakeholders from three boroughs in Greater Manchester, UK. Participants included adopters (n = 8; e.g., managers) and implementers (n = 11; exercise instructors). A structured workshop integrated the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, the Theoretical Domains Framework, and validated implementation outcome measures. Implementation mapping Tasks 1-3 were applied to translate barriers and facilitators into performance and change objectives and to identify possible implementation strategies.

Task 1 identified a range of barriers and facilitators: adopters were concerned with staffing, finances, and organizational priorities, while implementers reported gaps in knowledge and skills. Task 2 clarified adoption and implementation outcomes, while Task 3 mapped change objectives to 19 implementation strategies and six behavior change techniques.

Implementation mapping enabled a structured, theory-driven approach to developing context-specific strategies for the future delivery of STRONGER with AGE in community leisure settings. Differentiating adopters and implementers highlighted role-specific influences and priorities. This study provides a replicable framework to strengthen local implementation readiness, inform future feasibility and scalability testing, and improve community-based practice and public health services.

http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A604.