Community-based Physical Activity Research Articles

Developing community-based physical activity interventions and recreational programming for children in rural and smaller urban centres: a qualitative exploration of service provider and parent experiences

BackgroundChildren’s physical inactivity is a persisting international public health concern. While there is a large body of literature examining physical activity interventions for children, the unique physical activity context of low-density communities in rural areas and smaller urban centres remains largely underexplored. With an influx of families migrating to rural communities and small towns, evaluations of health promotion efforts that support physical activity are needed to ensure they are meeting the needs of the growing populations in these settings. The aim of this community-based research was to explore service providers’ and parents’ perspectives on physical activity opportunities available in their community and recommendations toward the development and implementation of efficacious physical activity programming for children in rural communities and smaller urban centres.MethodsThree in-person community forums with recreation service providers (n = 37 participants) and 1 online community forum with the parents of school-aged children (n = 9 participants) were hosted. An online survey and Mentimeter activity were conducted prior to the community forums to gather participants’ views on the barriers and facilitators to physical activities and suggestions for activity-promoting programs. The service provider and parent discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed following a deductive approach guided by Hseih and Shannon’s (2005) procedure for direct content analysis. A code list developed from the responses to the pre-forum survey and Mentimeter activity was used to guide the analysis and category development.ResultsSeven distinct categories related to the existing physical activity opportunities and recommendations for programs in rural communities and smaller urban centres were identified during the analysis: (1) Recovery from Pandemic-Related Measures, (2) Knowledge and Access to Programs, (3) Availability, (4) Personnel Support, (5) Quality of Programs and Facilities, (6) Expenses and Subsidies, and (7) Inclusivity and Preferences.ConclusionTo improve the health and well-being of children who reside in low-density areas, the results of this study highlight service provider and parent recommendations when developing and implementing community-based physical activity programs and interventions in rural and smaller urban settings, including skill development programs, non-competitive activity options, maximizing existing spaces for activities, and financial support.

Impacts of a Prescribed Physical Activity Program for People with Chronic Diseases Living in Community Settings in France.

Sedentary behavior and physical inactivity are modifiable risk factors at the forefront of prevention and health promotion strategies. The health benefits of physical activity (PA) have been widely demonstrated in chronic diseases and have led to the prescription of adapted PA. To date, French scientific data are insufficient to evaluate the effectiveness of prescribing adapted PA. This study aimed (1) to evaluate the effectiveness of a community-based program and (2) to identify patient characteristics at inclusion that could be associated with improved post-program anthropometric data. Our sample was composed of 113 participants with a chronic disease (83.18% women) with a mean age of 55.4 ± 13.9 years. Participants benefited from an 8-week adapted PA program. All participants were evaluated at the beginning and end of the program by anthropometric measurements, a subjective measure of the level of PA and a measure of physical condition. Almost 86% of the participants were overweight and two-thirds were obese. Statistical analyses showed a significant improvement in physical condition, expressed by a better cardiorespiratory endurance (up to +14% for a 2 min walk test; MT0 = 78.1 m vs. MT1 = 89 m; p < 0.001 with a 2 min walk test), improved flexibility (+12.5%; MT0 = 2.4 vs. MT1 = 2.7; p < 0.001), and increased muscle strength in the lower limbs (+22.7%; MT0 = 11.9 vs. MT1 = 14.6; p < 0.001). The level of physical activity increased significantly for all participants (57.52% of inactive individuals at T0 vs. 5.31% at T1; p = 0.004). Correlational analyses revealed that the decrease in BMI and weight throughout the program correlated positively with age (r = 0.252 and p = 0.007, and r = 0.247 and p = 0.008, respectively) and negatively with BMI from baseline (r = -0.271; p = 0.004). The key points of this community-based PA program are the following: (1) It improves participants' physical condition. (2) It improves anthropometric parameters. (3) It modifies physical activity behavior. Furthermore, in the context of the program set up specifically for this purpose, it would appear that elderly and overweight people are more likely to exhibit beneficial effects on anthropometric parameters than younger participants or those with a high level of obesity. However, these results need to be confirmed by a long-term evaluation of the effectiveness of such devices.

Types of Home and Community-Based Physical Activity and Their Effects on the Older Adults' Quality of Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Home and community-based physical activity (HCBPA) has been extensively utilized among older adults. Nevertheless, the varying types of HCBPA, including different duration, intensity, and frequency, have sparked controversy regarding their impact on the quality of life in older adults. This study aims to explore the effects of HCBPA on QoL in older adults. We conducted a systematic review and retrieved studies published from January 2000 to April 2023 from multiple databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and the Web of Science Library). Seventeen articles met the inclusion criteria for this study. Long-term HCBPA interventions may have a more pronounced positive impact on older adults' quality of life than short-term ones, with the intervention's intensity and frequency playing a key role in its effectiveness. The results of the meta-analyses showed significant differences in PCS but not in MCS, both with low certainty of evidence. Policymakers should prioritize the importance of promoting HCBPA interventions with appropriate duration, intensity, and frequency to create a more age-inclusive society.

Mental Health, Declining Physical Activity and Social Connection during Transitions into Fatherhood in the UK.

This paper addresses an under-explored area of sociologically oriented health research, namely, the mental health and physical activity (PA) experiences of new fathers. Drawing upon responses to an online qualitative survey from 32 fathers, aged 18 or over, and living in the UK, we show how the decline in these fathers' overall PA was associated with poor mental health and the changing constraints that characterised their increasingly complex networks of interdependence. These constraints corresponded with shifts in fathers' PA engagement from team sports towards individualised, flexible, and more recreationally oriented lifestyle activities like running and the gym. Fathers' engagement in these activities appeared to exacerbate the complex feelings of guilt and isolation that they already encountered as new fathers. These experiences were simultaneously associated with feelings of shame associated with being insufficiently active and fearing judgement about their engagement in fathering responsibilities. The paper has important policy implications, highlighting the need for tailored support for new fathers in the perinatal period, and implications for practice, suggesting that co-produced community-based PA programmes are potentially effective settings for engaging new fathers in PA and promoting their mental health.

Brisk Walking Exercise Has Benefits of Lowering Blood Pressure in Hypertension Sufferers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Brisk walking exercise is an aerobic exercise with the moderate intensity that can reduce the risk in people with hypertension. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effects of interventions related to brisk walking and blood pressure reduction in hypertensive patients. Methods: Search strategy through the PubMed, Science Direct, ProQuest, and Google Scholar databases limited from 2018 to 2023. The components measured are systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. This study uses the Black and Downs checklist to measure the quality of the study, which consists of 3, namely high quality, medium quality, and low quality. Effect size analysis of the study used the standard mean difference between brisk walking exercise and not doing brisk walking exercise. Results: The results of the identification of the database obtained 1700 articles, then limited by title, year, abstract (n = 381), and full-text article feasibility (n = 76) to obtain nine articles included. Nine articles were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis by study quality: six studies of high quality, 2 of medium quality, and 1 of low quality. Systolic blood pressure had a substantial effect size in all studies (P&lt;0.05; SMD: -0.55) while diastolic blood pressure had an effect medium size (P=0.05; SMD: 0.13). Conclusion: Brisk walking exercise can significantly reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension—recommendations for the future to carry out community-based physical activity in improving physical health, including heart health.

Differential relationships between physical activity and pain phenotypes in individuals with spinal cord injury

Background Chronic pain affects 70% of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and leads to declines in health and quality of life. Neuropathic and nociceptive pain are phenotypes derived from different mechanisms that contribute to pain perception. The objective of this research was to investigate differential pain responses to moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in two chronic pain phenotypes: neuropathic and nociceptive pain. Methods Community-based physical activity levels were collected for one week in 17 individuals with SCI using a wrist-worn accelerometer, and daily pain ratings were assessed and categorized by phenotype. Physical activity levels were summarized to calculate minutes of MVPA. Correlational analyses were conducted to compare relationships between pain intensity and MVPA across individual participants and between pain phenotype groups. Results The neuropathic pain group revealed significant negative correlation between MVPA and pain intensity. In the nociceptive pain group, there was no significant correlation between MVPA and pain intensity. Further analysis revealed two subgroups of positive (N = 4) and negative (N = 3) correlations between MVPA and pain intensity. Pain location differed between the subgroups of nociceptive pain. Individuals with negative correlation experienced neck and upper back pain, whereas individuals with positive correlation experienced unilateral upper extremity pain. Conclusion Differential relationships exist between pain phenotypes and MVPA in individuals with SCI. Pain location differed between the subgroups of nociceptive pain, which we presume may indicate the presence of nociplastic pain in some individuals. These results may contribute to the advancement of personalized pain management by targeting non-pharmacological interventions for specific pain phenotypes. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05236933..

Community-based physical activity interventions for adolescents and adults with complex cerebral palsy: A scoping review.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dmcn.15611

482 Improvement of health outcomes and quality of life of Hispanic older adults in Puerto Rico through participation in a Physical Activity (PA) Community-based Program

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The proposed study aims to improve physical and mental health outcomes among Hispanic older adults who live alone in a low-income San Juan, Puerto Rico community through weekly PA groups. Specific outcomes include measures of loneliness, social isolation, depression, physical mobility, metabolic indicators, and other health indicators. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Data will be collected at three time points: Pre (Week 1), Mid (Week 6), and Post (Week 12) intervention. Currently, the community has 50 residents over 65 years old who live under the poverty index and receive multiple social benefits. Various tools will be implemented to measure loneliness (University of California Los Angeles – Loneliness Scale-10 items), social isolation (Lubben Social Network Scale-6 items), depression (Geriatric Depression Scale-10 items), physical mobility (Time Up and Go Test), metabolic health indicators (hemoglobin A1c and glucose) and other health indicators (i.e., blood pressure, cholesterol, as well as body mass index (BMI)). These measurements will determine if participation in PA groups is associated with improvement of the variables measured. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: It is expected that the baseline scores of older Hispanic adults in terms of loneliness, social isolation, depression, physical mobility, metabolic indicators (i.e., cholesterol level and hemoglobin A1c), and other health indicators (blood pressure or BP and BMI) will be lower compared to those after participation in the Physical Activity Program. More frequent participation will be associated with more significant improvement in measured variables. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Results from this study will determine the effectiveness of community-based PA interventions in addressing loneliness, social isolation, depression, physical mobility, and metabolic factors (hemoglobin A1c and glucose) in elderly minority Hispanic populations as a means of improving their health outcomes and quality of life.

Development and Evaluation of a Community Health Program to Promote Physical Activity Among Vulnerable Community-Dwelling Older Adults: Protocol for a Prospective Cohort Study.

Vulnerable older adults have a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Regular physical activity (PA) can have a positive effect on the health and health-related behavior of this specific target group. However, evidence of the impact and feasibility of community-based PA promotion interventions for vulnerable older adults is still limited. The BeTaSen (Bewegungs-Tandems in den Lebenswelten Chemnitzer Seniorinnen und Senioren: ein Beitrag zur kommunalen Gesundheitsförderung) study aims to evaluate the (1) impact as well as the (2) feasibility, acceptance, and usefulness of a 12-month low-threshold PA intervention program for community-dwelling vulnerable older adults. For our population-based prospective observational cohort study, a total of 120 vulnerable older adults (aged 75 years or older) in the area of Chemnitz (Germany) will be recruited to participate in (1) weekly neighborhood-based low-threshold PA meetings with trained mentors (activity tandems) and (2) monthly exercise meetings led by trained exercise instructors. Within the intervention, participants will be encouraged to perform the PA independently. Participants will complete assessments, which will include questionnaires as well as objective measurements of their physical, cognitive, and psychosocial health at 3 different time points (baseline, 6 months after the start, and 6 months after the end of the intervention). Additionally, a process evaluation will be performed, including questionnaires and qualitative interviews, involving the participants, mentors, and municipal project partner representatives. The BeTaSen project process began in October 2021, with the start of data collection and intervention in August 2022 in the first neighborhoods of the city of Chemnitz. A total of 86 participants were recruited at the time of submission of the manuscript. Longitudinal results are expected by 2025. This study's results will provide insights on (1) the PA behavior of vulnerable older adults as well as the impact of PA interventions on health-related outcomes such as cognitive, physical, and psychosocial health, and (2) the feasible and useful components of community-based PA interventions. Thus, this pilot study contributes to future recommendations and provides a basis for further research, such as the development of feasible and sustainable target group-specific interventions in community settings. DERR1-10.2196/51462.

Examining the referral of patients with elevated blood pressure to health resources in an under-resourced community in South Africa

BackgroundLow-and-middle income countries face a disproportionate burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that threaten to overwhelm under-resourced health systems. Community health workers (CHWs) can promote NCD prevention, reach patients, and connect them to local community health resources; however, little has been done to examine how referrals to these resources are utilized by community members. The purpose of this study is to examine the use of referrals to community-based health resources and investigate the factors influencing patient utilization of referrals connecting them to appropriate health resources for elevated blood pressure (BP).MethodsCHWs conducted home visits, which included BP screening and brief counseling, with community members in Soweto, South Africa. Participants with elevated (systolic BP: 121–139/ diastolic BP: 81–89 mmHg) or high (≥ 140/90 mmHg) BP were referred to either a local, community-based physical activity (PA) program managed by a non-governmental organization or local health clinics. The number of participants that received and utilized their referrals was tracked. Follow-up interviews were conducted with individuals given a referral who: (1) went to the PA program, (2) did not go to the PA program, (3) went to a clinic, and (4) did not go to a clinic. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed to identify common themes and differences between groups regarding their decisions to utilize the referrals.ResultsCHWs visited 1056 homes, with 1001 community members consenting to the screening; 29.2% (n = 292) of adults were classified as having optimal BP (≤120/80 mmHg), 35.8% (n = 359) had elevated BP, and 35.0% (n = 350) had high BP. One hundred and seventy-three participants accepted a referral to the PA program with 46 (26.6%) enrolling. Five themes emerged from the interviews: (1) prior knowledge and thoughts on BP, (2) psychosocial factors associated with BP control, (3) perception about receiving the referral, (4) contextual factors influencing referral utilization, and (5) perceived benefits of utilizing the referral.ConclusionCHWs can successfully increase community members’ access to health resources by providing appropriate referrals. However, greater attention needs to address community members’ barriers and hesitancy to utilize health resources.

Participant Bias in Community-Based Physical Activity Research: A Consistent Limitation?

Physical activity is a beneficial, yet complex, health behavior. To ensure more people experience the benefits of physical activity, we develop and test interventions to promote physical activity and its associated benefits. Nevertheless, we continue to see certain groups of people who choose not to, or are unable to, take part in research, resulting in "recruitment bias." In fact, we (and others) are seemingly missing large segments of people and are doing little to promote physical activity research to equity-deserving populations. So, how can we better address recruitment bias in the physical activity research we conduct? Based on our experience, we have identified 5 broad, interrelated, and applicable strategies to enhance recruitment and engagement within physical activity interventions: (1)gain trust, (2)increase community support and participation, (3)consider alternative approaches and designs, (4)rethink recruitment strategies, and (5)incentivize participants. While we recognize there is still a long way to go, and there are broader community and societal issues underlying recruitment to research, we hope this commentary prompts researchers to consider what they can do to try to address the ever-present limitation of "recruitment bias" and support greater participation among equity-deserving groups.

Adaptation of the Recreovía During COVID-19 Lockdowns: Making Physical Activity Accessible to Older Adults in Bogotá, Colombia.

The community restrictions during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic adversely impacted older adults' physical activity levels. This convergent mixed-method study assessed the adaptation of the Recreovía, a community-based physical activity program in Bogotá, and characterized physical activity levels among older adult participants. Our results showed how the Recreovía adapted during the pandemic to continue promoting physical activity, through indoor and outdoor strategies, including virtual physical activity sessions and safety protocols. During this time, 72%-79% of the older adults attending the adapted program were physically active. A greater proportion of park users (84.2%) and more people involved in vigorous physical activity were observed during Recreovía days. Older adults had positive experiences and perceptions of the Recreovía program related to their health and social well-being. Even though the older adults prefer being outdoors, the adapted program allowed participants to continue with their physical activity routines as much as possible during the pandemic.

Changing the focus: Facilitating engagement in physical activity for people living with mild dementia in a local community-Protocol for a pre-post mixed methods feasibility study.

This study aims to address and improve the low physical activity levels among people with mild dementia by implementing a novel shared decision-making and motivational support program, named "Changing the Focus". It will utilise a pre-post mixed methods approach, aiming to recruit 60 community living older people with mild dementia and their care-partners. The shared decision-making process will involve the person living with dementia, their care-partner, and a research therapist, using a purpose-designed discussion tool including factors such as preferred physical activities, health status, local opportunities and program accessibility. This process aims to identify personalised local physical activity opportunities. Participants will be supported with the help of a research therapist to engage in targeted community-based physical activities for 12-months, to progress towards the recommended physical activity guidelines of 150 minutes per week. The intervention provided by the research therapist will include three home visits (baseline, 6- and 12-months) and seven motivational support phone calls (within the first six months). Research therapists may provide additional home visits and support calls as needed. Primary outcomes include program participation (participants living with dementia continuing with the program after 12-months), total physical activity time per week (measured using the Active Australia Survey at baseline, 6- and 12- months) and program acceptability (assessed through semi-structured interviews with participants, care-partners, referrers, and physical activity providers). Secondary outcomes include physical performance, mental health, wellbeing measures, and impact on care-partners (evaluated through physical tests or validated scales at baseline, 6- and 12-months). Other implementation aspects include reach, maintenance, safety (falls, other adverse events) and an economic evaluation. Results will inform feasibility, potential benefits, and challenges associated with this innovative shared decision-making and supported physical activity program for people living with mild dementia. Findings will guide future large-scale studies and contribute to enhancing physical activity opportunities for this population.

FEASIBILITY OF A COMMUNITY-LEVEL PHYSICAL ACTIVITY STRATEGY FOR OLDER ADULTS WITH MOTORIC COGNITIVE RISK SYNDROME

Abstract The motoric cognitive risk syndrome (MCR) is a pre-dementia syndrome characterized by slow walking speeds and subjective memory complaints. To date, the feasibility of a community-based physical activity (PA) program for improving outcomes in MCR has not been examined. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a translational randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 24-weeks of PA or a healthy aging education (HE) control intervention delivered within the existing infrastructure of an urban senior center in Greater Boston. A senior center employee was trained to administer the multimodal group-based PA program that included moderate-intensity aerobic walking, strength, flexibility and balance training. A total of 79 older adults attended the senior center for a screening visit of whom 25 met the MCR criteria and were randomized to PA or HE (mean age: 74.4 ± 7 yrs; BMI: 32.4 ± 7 kg/m2; 85% female; 3MSE score: 92.4 ± 7; gait speed: 0.52 ± 0.1 m/sec; SPPB score 4.8 ± 1.9). Due to COVID-19 the study was terminated early, however participants successfully completed baseline and follow-up study assessments that included objective tests of physical function and an iPad-based cognitive testing battery. Participants could appropriately adhere to the study interventions (overall attendance rate: PA: 69.3% vs. HE:70.1% at study termination). No study-related adverse events occurred. Trends for improved executive cognitive performance were exhibited in PA compared to HE. Our study provides important preliminary information to aid the design of larger-scale RCTs to preserve the independence of vulnerable older adults with MCR in community-based settings.

A Phenomenological Exploration of the Intersectionality of Body Image and Identity of Female Rugby Players

Contemporary society emphasizes masculine norms in sports, contradicting ideals of femininity and hindering women’s participation in contact sports such as rugby. In addition to underrepresentation of female athletes, social risks associated with appearing masculine create conflicts for female athletes who find themselves navigating between the world of sports and the broader context of society where they must confront the ongoing tension in body image between their identity as a woman and as an athlete. In-depth interviews were conducted with ten ethnically diverse female rugby players (ages 22–55) in South Korea to explore body image and identity from an international perspective. This qualitative study incorporated an interpretive phenomenological approach (IPA), which revealed body appreciation and functionality, personal empowerment, social inclusion, dynamics as a female athlete and positive experiences as major themes. These findings may assist practitioners in developing community-based physical activity programs promoting positive body image and health for women.

Active Moms: a feasibility study of a community-based and home-based physical activity intervention for low-income, ethnic-minority mothers

BackgroundDespite the health benefits of physical activity, increasing regular physical activity levels among low-income, ethnic-minority mothers has remained a significant challenge. Yet, few studies have examined the feasibility of implementing interventions to address physical activity barriers often experienced by this population.MethodsThe current mixed-methods pilot study assessed the feasibility, impact, and acceptability of a 3-month community-based (CBI) and a home-based intervention (HBI) designed to improve physical activity and fitness levels, as well as psychosocial outcomes (self-efficacy and social support), among low-income, ethnic minority mothers. Mothers were randomized to either a 3-month CBI or HBI and completed pre- and post-intervention assessments of physical activity, fitness, self-efficacy, and social support. Intervention feasibility was assessed by tracking recruitment, retention, and adverse event rates, whereas intervention acceptability was assessed through post-intervention focus groups.ResultsAlthough participant recruitment was lower than expected (30 vs. target of 52 mothers), retention and adverse event feasibility goals were met (> 60% retention rate, 0% adverse events). Mothers in both groups (CBI and HBI) showed significant improvements in their physical activity and fitness levels and short-term improvements in receiving social support for physical activity. However, only mothers in the CBI group showed improvements in their self-efficacy for physical activity. Mothers also reported both types of interventions (CBI and HBI) to be acceptable with minor modifications highlighted, including the potential for graduates of these programs to serve as group facilitators.ConclusionsOverall, the study protocol was feasible, impactful, and acceptable to low-income, ethnic minority mothers with modifications required before large-scale evaluation. (TRN: NCT05540509; 9/12/22; retrospectively registered; ClinicalTrials.org).

Community Exercise Program Participation and Mental Well-Being in the U.S. Texas-Mexico Border Region.

Hispanics are disproportionately affected by low rates of physical activity and high rates of chronic diseases. Hispanics generally and Mexican Americans specifically are underrepresented in research on physical activity and its impact on mental well-being. Some community-based interventions have been effective in increasing physical activity among Hispanics. This study examined data from a sample of low-income Hispanic participants in free community exercise classes to characterize the association between self-reported frequency of exercise class attendance, intensity of physical activity, and participant well-being. As part of two cross-sectional samples recruited from a stratified random sample of community exercise classes, 302 participants completed a questionnaire consisting of a modified version of the Godin-Shephard Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (LTEQ) and the Mental Health Continuum Short Form (MHC-SF). Adjusted logistic regression analyses indicated that those who achieve mild, moderate, and strenuous self-reported physical activity have 130% higher odds (p = 0.0422) of positive mental well-being after adjustment for age, frequency of attendance, and self-reported health. This study provides evidence that the intensity of physical activity is associated with flourishing mental well-being among Hispanic adults. The association between physical activity and mental well-being is more pronounced when considering participants engaged in mild levels of physical activity. The study further provides insight into the planning and development of community-based physical activity programming tailored to low-income populations.

Community-based exercise and physical activity for chronic low back pain

Community-based exercise and physical activity for chronic low back pain

Willingness-to-pay in physical activity: how much older adults value the community-wide initiatives programs?

Previous studies have shown insufficient physical activity (PA) as a significant global health concern and a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Community-wide initiatives in physical activity (CWIPA) is considered as a best-buy for Community-wide initiatives in physical activity (CWIPA) is considered as a best-buy for NCDs prevention. However, assessment regarding resource allocation and cost-effectiveness of existing programs is lacking. This study investigated local residents' willingness-to-pay (WTP) for community PA programs in Southern Thailand. The contingent valuation method (CVM) using the payment card approach was employed to elicit the WTP of 472 residents aged 45 years and over in selected provinces in which community PA programs had been implemented. Respondents were asked to indicate their WTP for the continuous offering of free CWIPA by choosing how much they were willing to pay from eight bid-value options, payable through their monthly electricity bill. The mean WTP of Thai older adults was found to be 72 baht/month ($2/month) or 868 baht/year ($25/year). This indicated the maximum amount an older person was willing to pay for any community-based PA program. More than half the sample (54.2%) chose zero as their answer, while there was a fairly large variation in other levels of WTP. The WTP was lower among older respondents and those who resided in rural areas but was higher among those with a history of participation in an organized PA program. The level of WTP can be interpreted as an indicator of community satisfaction with CWIPA. That finding can be used as evidence for the government and policy makers in allocating resources and designing future CWIPA. A variety of organized PA programs should be offered to all community members to ensure inclusivity and also to provide equal access for senior citizens.

The processes and practices of intermediaries in connecting individuals to local physical activity

Abstract Background Community-based health-related staff, acting as intermediaries, connect individuals to non-medical community services, such as physical activity and exercise. This study explored the practices of intermediaries in different health-related sectors in Ireland, in connecting individuals to local physical activity [PA], as part of a larger project investigating the role of intermediaries in promotion of physical activity. Methods A qualitative descriptive design was used for this study. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with three categories of intermediaries: Health Promotion and Improvement Officers [HPIO] (n = 10), Local Sports Partnership Officers [LSPO] (n = 8) and Social Prescribing Link Workers [SPLW] (n = 11). Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Preliminary findings The practices of each intermediary were varied. HPIO focus on providing individuals with smoking cessation services, rather than connecting to PA. LSPO provide ‘light touch interventions': one-off contacts, followed by connection or signposting to PA groups delivered by the partnership. SPLW provide a continuum of support from ‘light touch’ to more intensive interventions, with as much practical or instrumental support needed by the person to connect to local PA. Referrals from healthcare professionals to intermediaries specifically to increase PA were low. However, many individuals who are referred for other reasons such as loneliness and mental health issues are connected to local PA. Conclusions Each category of intermediary reported different processes for connecting individuals to PA and provided differing levels of support, but received low numbers of referrals from healthcare professionals specifically for physical activity. Future studies are needed to investigate the impact of interventions provided by these intermediaries on PA levels of individuals attending their services. Key messages • Local sports partnership officers and social prescribing link workers facilitate connections to local, community-based physical activity, by providing different levels of support. • Intermediaries may be an under-utilized resource by healthcare professionals to increase physical activity, and future cohort studies are needed to investigate the impact of the intermediary role.