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

BACKGROUND: A peer-led exercise program is one way to empower people sharing similar characteristics to encourage others to be active, but there is a lack of evidence that these programs have physical function and other benefits when delivered to ageing adults. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial lasting 12 weeks proposed an exercise peer-led program offered to 31 adults aged 50 and above, twice a week, by a trained leader of the same age from March to May 2019. The program was offered for free with limited space and equipment. Valid tests of physical function (e.g., 30-s chair stand, 6-min walk test) were used to assess the functional benefits. Psychosocial outcomes were assessed using self-reported questionnaires and metabolic outcomes via a fasted blood draw. RESULTS: A significant difference was found between pre-and post-values in most physical function tests in the intervention group (all p < 0.05). When adjusted for potential confounders, the intervention group was significantly associated with a more significant improvement on the chair stand test (ß = .26; p < 0.001; r(2) = 0.26), the arm curl (ß = .29; p < 0.001; r(2) = 0.49), as well as the 6-min walk test (ß = -.14; p < 0.001; r(2) = 0.62) compared with the control group. Using repetitive measures generalized linear model, the interaction between the changes and the group was significant for all three tests. Benefits were also observed for participants’ stress level and perceived health in the intervention group compared to the control. Finally, no significant difference was observed between groups for metabolic health. CONCLUSIONS: The current work suggests that a 12-week peer-led exercise program can improve physical function for adults age 50 and above. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03799952(ClinicalTrials.gov) 12/20/2018. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s11556-021-00257-x.