Peer-Led Diet and Exercise for Healthy Aging

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Jeffrey P Beans, BS

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development

Disqualifiers: High cardiovascular risk, dementia, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: 12 weeks

22 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The majority of older Veterans do not meet the minimum healthy diet or physical activity recommendations, despite known benefits. Identifying novel ways to increase adherence to rehabilitation programs that improve dietary quality and physical activity may reduce the risk of disability in older Veterans. Peer-based interventions may be one method to facilitate lasting behavioral change since peers often share a common culture and knowledge about the problems that their community experiences. The investigators propose to develop and evaluate a novel peer-led diet and exercise intervention that targets older Veterans with multiple chronic health conditions. Successful development and pilot of this intervention will provide the preliminary data for a larger multisite trial focused on the use of peer-led interventions to improve long-term compliance to lifestyle interventions in older Veterans.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for this trial?

The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on diet and exercise, so you may not need to change your medications, but it's best to check with the trial organizers.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on diet and exercise, so it's best to discuss your medications with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What data supports the idea that Peer-Led Diet and Exercise for Healthy Aging is an effective treatment?

The available research shows that Peer-Led Diet and Exercise for Healthy Aging can be effective in increasing physical activity among older adults. For example, a study on self-organizing peer coach groups found that participants improved their walking distance by 33 meters and reported a slight increase in quality of life. Additionally, these groups were able to sustain themselves without financial support, indicating a successful and lasting impact. While there is limited direct comparison to other treatments, the peer-led approach seems promising for encouraging physical activity in older adults. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

What data supports the effectiveness of the Peer-Led Diet and Exercise Intervention treatment?

Research shows that peer-led exercise programs can improve physical functions and increase physical activity in older adults, which are key components of healthy aging. For example, a study found that a peer-led exercise group improved participants' walking distance and quality of life, indicating potential benefits for similar interventions. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

What safety data exists for the Peer-Led Diet and Exercise treatment?

The research provided does not directly address safety data for the Peer-Led Diet and Exercise treatment. However, it suggests that peer-led interventions are effective in reducing weight, BMI, and waist circumference, and increasing physical activity in adults, including older adults. The studies focus on efficacy rather than safety, indicating a need for further research to confirm safety outcomes. ^{1 2 4 6 7}

Is the Peer-Led Diet and Exercise Intervention safe for humans?

The research suggests that peer-led diet and exercise interventions are generally safe for humans, as they have been shown to help reduce weight and increase physical activity without significant negative effects on energy intake. ^{1 2 4 6 7}

Is the Peer-Led Diet and Exercise Intervention a promising treatment for healthy aging?

Yes, the Peer-Led Diet and Exercise Intervention is promising for healthy aging. It helps older adults become more active, which is important for staying healthy as we age. Peer-led programs can motivate people to exercise more, and they have been shown to help reduce weight and waist size, which are important for overall health. ^{1 2 4 6 8}

How is the Peer-Led Diet and Exercise Intervention treatment different from other treatments for healthy aging?

The Peer-Led Diet and Exercise Intervention is unique because it involves peers (people of similar age or background) leading the program, which can make participants feel more comfortable and motivated. This approach is different from traditional treatments that might rely on healthcare professionals, as it emphasizes community support and shared experiences to encourage healthy aging. ^{1 2 4 6 8}

Research Team

Odessa R. Addison, PhD DPT

Principal Investigator

Baltimore VA Medical Center VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for older Veterans who struggle with activities like walking quickly, climbing stairs, or standing up without support and have at least two chronic conditions (e.g., high blood pressure, diabetes). They must speak English and not be on home oxygen, involved in other weight loss programs, exercising regularly, or have certain mental health conditions.

Inclusion Criteria

I have at least two long-term health issues like high blood pressure or diabetes.

I struggle with activities like walking quickly, climbing stairs, or getting up without using my arms.

Speaks English

Exclusion Criteria

Regular exercise participation

I do not have acute psychosis, major depression, or behavior issues that prevent me from interacting in groups.

Contraindications to an exercise intervention

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in a 12-week peer-led diet and exercise intervention

12 weeks

2 visits per week (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Peer-Led Diet and Exercise Intervention

Trial Overview The study is testing a new program where fellow Veterans lead diet and exercise interventions. The goal is to see if this peer-led approach helps participants stick to healthy eating habits and physical activity routines better than traditional methods.

Participant Groups

Group I: Peer led diet and exercise intervention Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

participation in two-times per week diet and exercise peer led interventions.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

VA Office of Research and Development

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,691

Recruited

3,759,000+

Findings from Research

Older adults perceive effective peer leaders in physical activity programs as optimistic, compassionate, and friendly, highlighting the importance of interpersonal qualities in leadership roles.

The study involved a diverse group of 101 participants aged 60 and older, including experienced and inexperienced walkers and peer leaders, providing valuable insights that can enhance training and recruitment strategies for peer-led interventions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effective Peer Leader Attributes for the Promotion of Walking in Older Adults. Kritz, M., Thøgersen-Ntoumani, C., Mullan, B., et al.[2021]

A 12-week peer-led exercise program significantly improved physical function in adults aged 50 and above, with notable enhancements in tests like the chair stand and 6-minute walk test.

Participants in the intervention group also reported lower stress levels and better perceived health, indicating psychosocial benefits, although there were no significant changes in metabolic health compared to the control group.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Peer-led exercise program for ageing adults to improve physical functions - a randomized trial. Bouchard, DR., Olthuis, JV., Bouffard-Levasseur, V., et al.[2021]

A peer-led training program for chronic patients, involving 964 participants with conditions like diabetes, fibromyalgia, and heart failure, significantly improved health status, leading to reduced activity limitations and better dietary and physical activity habits.

The effectiveness of the training varied based on social factors such as sex, education level, and marital status, highlighting the need for tailored approaches to meet the specific needs of vulnerable groups.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Differential impact and heterogeneous needs. A peer-led training program for improving chronic patients' health status and health behaviors]. Danet Danet, A., Prieto Rodríguez, MÁ., Toro Cárdenas, SM., et al.[2023]

The study aims to test the feasibility of a peer-led physical activity intervention for older adults from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, using a randomized controlled trial design over 12 weeks with follow-up at 6 months.

Data collected will assess recruitment, retention, and the effectiveness of the intervention in increasing moderate to vigorous physical activity, which is crucial for informing a larger definitive trial if the pilot proves successful.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Walk with Me: a protocol for a pilot RCT of a peer-led walking programme to increase physical activity in inactive older adults. Tully, MA., Cunningham, C., Cupples, ME., et al.[2022]

A self-sustainable and self-organizing physical activity intervention for older adults, implemented by peer coaching, showed positive health effects, including a significant increase in quality of life and improved walking distance over two years.

The intervention was feasible with a low initial investment and high retention rate (86.4%), demonstrating its potential as a scalable solution to enhance physical activity among older adults.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Self-organizing peer coach groups to increase daily physical activity in community dwelling older adults. van de Vijver, P., Schalkwijk, F., Numans, ME., et al.[2020]

Peer interventions can effectively reduce body weight, with an average decrease of 1.05 kg observed in a meta-analysis of 28 studies involving 7142 participants.

These interventions also led to a significant reduction in waist circumference and an increase in physical activity, although they did not significantly affect energy intake, indicating a potential benefit in managing obesity-related outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Peer-supported lifestyle interventions on body weight, energy intake, and physical activity in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Lim, S., Lee, WK., Tan, A., et al.[2021]

Peer education models effectively deliver health information and can influence knowledge and behavior, particularly in community-based fall prevention interventions for older adults.

The involvement of senior volunteers as peer educators shows promise in promoting health among older populations, although the paper discusses both the advantages and disadvantages of this approach.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Using senior volunteers as peer educators: What is the evidence of effectiveness in falls prevention? Peel, NM., Warburton, J.[2019]

The researchers developed a clear typology of peer-based intervention strategies aimed at promoting physical activity among older adults, addressing the need for consistent terminology and frameworks in this area.

They provided practical guidelines for designing and implementing these peer-based programs, which can help improve participation rates in physical activity among older adults by leveraging peer support.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Peer-Based Strategies to Support Physical Activity Interventions for Older Adults: A Typology, Conceptual Framework, and Practice Guidelines. Matz-Costa, C., Howard, EP., Castaneda-Sceppa, C., et al.[2020]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effective Peer Leader Attributes for the Promotion of Walking in Older Adults. [2021]

2. Germany pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Peer-led exercise program for ageing adults to improve physical functions - a randomized trial. [2021]

3. Spain pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

[Differential impact and heterogeneous needs. A peer-led training program for improving chronic patients' health status and health behaviors]. [2023]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Walk with Me: a protocol for a pilot RCT of a peer-led walking programme to increase physical activity in inactive older adults. [2022]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Self-organizing peer coach groups to increase daily physical activity in community dwelling older adults. [2020]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Peer-supported lifestyle interventions on body weight, energy intake, and physical activity in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. [2021]

7. Australia pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Using senior volunteers as peer educators: What is the evidence of effectiveness in falls prevention? [2019]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Peer-Based Strategies to Support Physical Activity Interventions for Older Adults: A Typology, Conceptual Framework, and Practice Guidelines. [2020]