The application of peer mentoring to improve fitness in older adults.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effectiveness of a peer-mentored exercise program, this study compared the program perception, retention and participation rates, and physical improvements of older adults trained by peer mentors (PMs) with those of a group trained by student mentors (SMs).


METHODS
After a 30-week peer-mentor preparation, 60 older adults (M +/- SD age: 68.7 +/- 6.1 yr) were recruited and randomly assigned to either the PM or the SM group. Both groups completed an identical 14-week fitness program. Pre- and posttraining assessments of fitness were completed, and the efficacy of the PMs and SMs was surveyed.


RESULTS
High retention was observed in both groups, but the SM group had higher participation. Both groups improved their fitness significantly, with no significant posttest differences between the groups in most fitness measures or in program perception rates.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggest effectiveness of the peer-mentor model in an older adult exercise program.
Dept. of Kinesiology, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX, USA.
Sandor
S
Dorgo
George A
GA
King
Gregory D
GD
Brickey
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003376:Counseling; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008611:Mentors; D008875:Middle Aged; D010379:Peer Group; D010809:Physical Fitness; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011897:Random Allocation; D012938:Social Perception; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires