Outcomes of a peer mentor implemented fitness program in older adults: a quasi-randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effectiveness of different applications of mentoring in an older adult exercise program, this study compared the physical fitness scores, the retention and participation rates of older adults trained by student mentors, peer mentors, peer mentors working independently of the researchers, and a non-exercising control group. METHODS: 106 older adults were recruited and assigned to one of the groups using quasi-randomization. All three experimental groups completed a 14-week intervention. Pre- and post-training assessments of fitness were completed, and retention and participation rates were compared. RESULTS: High retention and participation rates, as well as significant improvements in fitness scores from baseline to post-test were observed in all three mentored groups. While the control group showed improvement only in one fitness test, subjects in the mentored groups improved similarly in all measures, regardless of the type of mentoring received. DISCUSSION: These findings indicated effectiveness of the peer mentor model and suggested that with adequate preparation peer mentors may be capable of guiding older adult participants effectively without assistance from professional staff.

Comparing the effectiveness of peer mentoring and student mentoring in a 35-week fitness program for older adults.

To investigate the applicability and effectiveness of a peer-mentored exercise program, this study compared the retention and participation rates, and physical improvements of older adults trained by peer mentors (PM) to a group trained by young qualified student mentors (SM). A group of older adults were prepared as peer mentors through a 30-week preparation program. Later, 60 older adults (mean ± SD age: 68.7 ± 6.1 years) were recruited and randomly assigned to either the PM or SM group. Both groups completed an identical 35-week fitness program. Pre-, midterm- and post-training assessments of fitness were completed and rates of participation and retention were documented. The same retention rates were observed in the two groups, but SM group had higher participation. Both groups improved significantly in all measures of fitness and there were no significant post-test differences between the groups in the fitness measures. Findings suggest that the peer mentor model is applicable in an older adult exercise program and may be as effective as a program mentored by young professionals.