title: The conversion of a practice-based lifestyle enhancement program into a formalized, testable program: from texercise classic to texercise select.
abstract: Little is known about the structure, content, and benefits of practice-based or grass roots health programs that have been widely delivered by a variety of community organizations and stakeholders. This perspective will document the natural history of Texercise Classic, a state-endorsed but previously untested lifestyle health promotion program. It will: (1) discuss Texercise Classic's participant reach and adoption over time; (2) describe the rationale and processes employed to formalize Texercise Classic into a more structured program known as Texercise Select; (3) outline the essential elements and activities included in Texercise Select and contrast them with those included in Texercise Classic; and (4) highlight key components for uniform facilitator training. The discussion will reflect upon the evolution of Texercise, compare and contrast the benefits and challenges of each program, and review the "next steps" for Texercise Select. In contrasting Texercise Classic and Select, it is important to understand the benefits and challenges of both programs. Preliminary results indicate that Texercise Select is effective, yet its ability to sustain the same reach as Texercise Classic remains unknown and an area for future study.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Promotion and Community Health Sciences, Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Public Health , College Station, TX , USA.
authors.forename: Marcia G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Ory
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Promotion and Behavior, College of Public Health, The University of Georgia , Athens, GA , USA.
authors.forename: Matthew Lee
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Promotion and Community Health Sciences, Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Public Health , College Station, TX , USA.
authors.forename: Doris
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Howell
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Promotion and Community Health Sciences, Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Public Health , College Station, TX , USA.
authors.forename: Alyson
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zollinger
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Promotion and Community Health Sciences, Texas A&M Health Science Center School of Public Health , College Station, TX , USA.
authors.forename: Cindy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Quinn
authors.affiliation: Big Brothers Big Sisters of South Texas , San Antonio, TX , USA.
authors.forename: Suzanne M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Swierc
authors.affiliation: Baylor Scott & White Health , Temple, TX , USA.
authors.forename: Alan B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Stevens
keywords: older adults; physical activity; program evaluation; program implementation; translational research