Translating evidence into practice: stakeholder prioritization of implementation strategies for delivering STRONGER with AGE in community leisure settings.

Abstract

Background: Despite robust evidence and international consensus for muscle-strengthening exercise, less than one in four adults meet recommended guidelines. Sustainable implementation of strength training interventions into community practice are hindered by a range of barriers, highlighting the need for a rigorous participatory approach to plan for successful and sustainable delivery.

Purpose: This study aimed to (1) apply implementation mapping to identify individual and contextual barriers and facilitators influencing adoption and delivery of STRONGER with AGE, an evidence-based strength training program for healthy aging, in community leisure settings, and (2) select stakeholder-prioritized strategies to enhance future adoption and implementation.

Methods: We conducted a mixed methods study, engaging stakeholders from three boroughs in Greater Manchester, UK. Participants included adopters (n = 8; e.g., managers) and implementers (n = 11; exercise instructors). A structured workshop integrated the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, the Theoretical Domains Framework, and validated implementation outcome measures. Implementation mapping Tasks 1-3 were applied to translate barriers and facilitators into performance and change objectives and to identify possible implementation strategies.

Results: Task 1 identified a range of barriers and facilitators: adopters were concerned with staffing, finances, and organizational priorities, while implementers reported gaps in knowledge and skills. Task 2 clarified adoption and implementation outcomes, while Task 3 mapped change objectives to 19 implementation strategies and six behavior change techniques.

Conclusion: Implementation mapping enabled a structured, theory-driven approach to developing context-specific strategies for the future delivery of STRONGER with AGE in community leisure settings. Differentiating adopters and implementers highlighted role-specific influences and priorities. This study provides a replicable framework to strengthen local implementation readiness, inform future feasibility and scalability testing, and improve community-based practice and public health services.

Spanish abstract: http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A604.