Leading the way together: a cluster randomised controlled trial of the 5R Shared Leadership Program in older adult walking groups

Abstract

Background With a rapidly ageing society, healthy ageing has become a key challenge. Engagement in physical activity, and particularly walking, is a key strategy that contributes to healthy ageing amongst older adults. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a group walking program for older adults that incorporates the 5R Shared Leadership Program (5RS). By implementing a structure of shared leadership and strengthening peer leaders’ identity leadership, 5RS aims to cultivate a shared social identity amongst participants, which has in other contexts been associated with greater performance and well-being. Methods A cluster randomised controlled trial was conducted to test the efficacy of the 5RS group walking program on group identification, group cohesion, walking activity, and well-being, compared to a regular group walking program for older adults. Nineteen older adult walking groups (i.e., the clusters; N = 503; Mage = 69.23 years, SD = 6.68) all participated in a 12-week structured group walking program. Nine walking groups (n = 304) were randomly assigned to the intervention in which participants received the 5RS program in addition to regular group walking. Results 5RS was successful in strengthening the identity leadership qualities of the appointed peer leaders. Multilevel regressions showed that 5RS succeeded in increasing group cohesion and walking activity to a greater extent than a regular group walking program, while participants’ group identification and well-being increased to a similar extent in both conditions. Furthermore, structural equation modelling revealed that group identification mediated the impact of peer leaders’ identity leadership on group cohesion and well-being (but not walking activity). Conclusion By harnessing the capacity of the group and its peer leaders, the 5RS program offers a promising intervention to engage older adults in physical activity. Trial registration The study was retrospectively registered as clinical trial on 9 September 2021 (NCT05038423).

The Moderating Role of Collectivism on Physical Activity and Family Support

“…The finding of no direct relationship between walking and age or gender is consistent with prior research and indicates that walking is a viable PA tool for both men and women, as well as young and old. 30,47,48 Thus, walking is a promising intervention to promote PA for all Korean adults regardless of age or gender groups. In particular, walking requires no special skills and is a good way to achieve aerobic PA guidelines for all age groups with little risk of injury.…”

“…In particular, walking requires no special skills and is a good way to achieve aerobic PA guidelines for all age groups with little risk of injury. 30,47,48 In a study report with nationally representative data of general population, walking was negatively associated with risk of cardiovascular disease. 48 These authors reported that walking was well accepted by participants without causing adverse events (eg, falls, injuries) and could increase moderate-to vigorous-intensity PA among midlife and older adults.…”

“…8,27 Collectivism was found to be a facilitator of PA among African American adults and Belgian older adults by providing social support, fostering community engagement, and instilling a sense of accountability. 27,29,30 The shared sense of "we" and "us" (the core of the collectivistic culture) can facilitate PA. 30 However, collectivism has also been reported as a barrier to PA among Latinxs and Pacific Islanders by reinforcing traditional gender roles, promoting conformity over personal preferences, limiting individual time, and stigmatizing individualism. 31,32 Collectivistic culture prioritizing family responsibilities may be a barrier for individuals to PA in pursuit of their own interests.…”

A social identity approach to facilitating therapy groups.

“…Haslam et al, 2017)can have several benefits. For example, tests of the 5R program in sport, exercise, and organizational contexts have demonstrated benefits including increases in group members' team identification, number of practice hours, intrinsic motivation, and commitment to team goals (Fransen, Haslam, et al, 2020;Fransen et al, 2022;Mertens et al, 2020;Slater & Barker, 2019). Of particular interest is the finding, in two of these studies, that group members spent more hours doing group-relevant tasks (i.e., practicing sports) when their leaders were trained in identity leadership (see Mertens et al, 2020;Slater & Barker, 2019).…”

“…A. Haslam et al, 2017)—can have several benefits. For example, tests of the 5R program in sport, exercise, and organizational contexts have demonstrated benefits including increases in group members’ team identification, number of practice hours, intrinsic motivation, and commitment to team goals (Fransen, Haslam, et al, 2020; Fransen et al, 2022; S. A. Haslam et al, 2017; Mertens et al, 2020; Slater & Barker, 2019).…”