Exercise intervention implemented by trained volunteers improves health-related quality of life among Japanese community-dwelling older females: an intervention study

Abstract

[Purpose] This study aimed to evaluate the sustainability and efficacy of exercise intervention, as implemented by professionally trained volunteers, on the health-related quality of life among Japanese community-dwelling older females. [Subjects and Methods] We conducted a non-randomized observational prospective study of a six-month exercise intervention delivered by volunteers or health professionals. Health-related quality of life was scored using the Short Form 36 Health Survey before and after the intervention. Participants were classified into three groups, comprising those with improved health, maintained health, and reduced health. [Results] Among 127 Japanese community-dwelling females aged >65 years, 50 of 62 (80.6%) females involved in the intervention conducted by volunteers, and 55 of 65 (84.6%) females involved in the intervention conducted by health professionals, completed the six-month intervention program. Scoring revealed that interventions by both volunteers and health professionals had a maintaining or improving effect on scores in >70% of participants instead of an expected six-month aging decline. [Conclusion] Exercise intervention by trained volunteers was sustainable and effective for improving the health-related quality of life among Japanese community-dwelling older females. Professionally trained volunteers could benefit communities in helping older persons avoid the need for daily nursing care through promoting health activities.

Peer-led exercise program for ageing adults to improve physical functions - a randomized trial

“…The current study results support the idea that peer-led exercise programs for aeging adults can lead to physical function improvements. Like previous studies [ 10 , 20 , 21 ], the drop-out rate for this program was meagre with a relatively high attendance rate. The combination of low drop-out rates and significant physical function improvements suggests that peer-led exercise programs are a successful intervention for ageing adults living in the community.…”

“…Participants in the intervention also reported a more significant improvement in general health, more energy, and fewer role limitations due to emotional problems than those in the control group. A study conducted with 78 ageing adults who participated in a peer-led exercise program also reported an improvement in many domains of the SF-36 despite high baseline scores [ 21 ]. According to previous studies, a greater sense of self-efficacy arising from peer-led exercise could, in part, explain a change in health perceptions [ 9 ].…”

Volunteer-led physical activity interventions to improve health outcomes for community-dwelling older people: a systematic review

“…However, five papers published findings from the same study which explored the impact of a home-based physical and nutritional intervention on various outcome measures [ 19 – 23 ]. Eight studies were included in the narrative analysis, which included three randomised controlled trials [ 22 , 24 , 25 ], two quasi-experimental studies [ 26 , 27 ], a large prospective cohort study [ 28 ], an observational study [ 29 ] and a single group repeated measure design study [ 30 ]. Six studies were conducted among older people who were living at home, one study included older people in assisted living facilities [ 26 ] and one study included nursing home residents [ 24 ].…”

Extension Educators and Volunteer Leaders: Evaluation of Fitness Outcomes Among Participants in Community Strength Training Classes

“…Volunteer leadership of programs may enhance sustainability and reach (24,39,51,52). Community-based program sustainability is important to make long-term differences in health behaviors, which is vital for rural older adults who are less healthy and more sedentary than their urban counterparts (53,54).…”

“…Some studies have compared volunteer-led groups and a control group, but few reported functional fitness outcomes and drew comparisons between volunteer-led and professionally-led approaches in real-world, community-based settings (26,33,35,52). The study described here examined fitness improvements among participants of two types: those in counties adopting a volunteer-led program model, and those relying solely on an educator-led model for StrongWomen Program (SWP) delivery.…”