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

Abstract

Background Physical activity (PA) is important for older people to maintain functional independence and healthy ageing. There is strong evidence to support the benefits of physical activity interventions on the health outcomes of older adults. Nonetheless, innovative approaches are needed to ensure that these interventions are practical and sustainable. Aim This systematic review explores the effectiveness of volunteer-led PA interventions in improving health outcomes for community-dwelling older people. Methods Five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PEDro, Cochrane library) were systematically searched for studies using trained volunteers to deliver PA interventions for community-dwelling older people aged ≥ 65 years. Meta-analysis was not conducted due to included study heterogeneity. Results Twelve papers describing eight studies (five papers reported different outcomes from the same study) were included in the review. All eight studies included strength and balance exercises and frequency of PA ranged from weekly to three times a week. Volunteer-led exercises led to improvements in functional status measured using the short physical performance battery, timed up and go test, Barthel Index, single leg stand, step touch test, chair stand test, and functional reach. Frailty status identified by grip strength measurement or the use of long-term care insurance improved with volunteer-led exercises. Interventions led to improvement in fear of falls and maintained or improved the quality of life. The impact on PA levels were mixed. Conclusion Limited evidence suggests that volunteer-led PA interventions that include resistance exercise training, can improve outcomes of community-dwelling older adults including functional status, frailty status, and reduction in fear of falls. More high-quality RCTs are needed to investigate the effects of volunteer-led PA interventions among older people.

The Effects of Using a Low-Cost and Easily Accessible Exercise Toolkit Incorporated to the Governmental Health Program on Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Quasi-Experimental Study

“…As a result, this reflected the improvement on FR performance. Following instructional training involving their peers, promoting community physical training programs for older adults became a feasible and successful model [ 42 ], even enhancing the maintenance of physical activity gains through a community-based intervention [ 43 ]. Therefore, the results could be attributed to the work of the local community volunteers with these participants, which warrants further investigations.…”

Evaluating the feasibility and acceptability of virtual group exercise for older adults delivered by trained volunteers: the ImPACt study protocol

“…A systematic review of 12 studies found some evidence suggesting that volunteer-led physical activity interventions that include resistance exercise training, can improve outcomes of community-dwelling older adults including functional status, frailty status and reduction in fear of falls. 18 However, knowledge gaps still exist on how best to recruit, train, and retain volunteers to deliver physical activity interventions routinely. This study addresses this knowledge gap by exploring facilitators and barriers to the implementation of volunteer-led group exercises for older adults attending social clubs.…”

“…The median age of the volunteers in the study was 32 years (interquartile ratio of 17–62 years). A systematic review of 12 studies found some evidence suggesting that volunteer-led physical activity interventions that include resistance exercise training, can improve outcomes of community-dwelling older adults including functional status, frailty status and reduction in fear of falls 18. However, knowledge gaps still exist on how best to recruit, train, and retain volunteers to deliver physical activity interventions routinely.…”

Relationships between Participation in Volunteer-Managed Exercises, Distance to Exercise Facilities, and Interpersonal Social Networks in Older Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in Japan

“…In recent years, the effectiveness of volunteermanaged exercise instruction has been reported in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Hence, such programmes are beginning to gather attention [8]. Volunteermanaged exercise programmes are expected to contribute to the well-being of older adults all over the world.…”