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ABSTRACT
Background: To address the problem of physical inactivity among older adults and the desire of community-based groups to have access to innovative physical activity programs, a pole walking program was developed specifically for older adults living at home who visit community organizations. Methods: The Walking with Poles Program (WWPP) is based on a six-stage approach involving: (1) definition, (2) conceptualization, (3) creation and validation, (4) pilot test, (5) generalization, and (6) consolidation. Reach, dose delivered, and dose received of program implementation were documented. Results: To date, the five stages of this co-construction project have been successfully operationalized through the WWPP. The program was implemented by seven community organizations. It reached 76 older adults whose characteristics are typical of this type of community-based group physical activity program. For instructors, implementing the promotional activities was the most difficult part of the WWPP. Overall, the program was well received by the participants, instructors, and the organization managers. Conclusion: This approach ensured the rigor, relevance, and feasibility of the WWPP.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank all the community organization representatives and older adults who agreed to participate in this study. We also acknowledge Sophie Laforest who was the principal investigator of the study and contributed largely to this article, as well as Danielle Guay, who was the research assistant. Nathalie Bier received a salary award from the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé. Marie-Ève Mathieu holds a Research Scholar – Junior 1 from the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé.