Using Implementation Mapping to identify barriers, facilitators, objectives, and strategies for delivering STRONGER with AGE in community leisure settings

We conducted a formative, theory-informed, mixed-methods study with community partners to explore individual and contextual factors that may influence the future adoption and implementation of STRONGER with AGE, a preventative evidence-based strength training programme. The study was carried out with three boroughs of Greater Manchester, England (Salford, Stockport, and Wigan), representing diverse community and leisure settings. Participants (n=19) included two key stakeholder groups: i) implementers (exercise instructors, n=11), and ii) adopters (management and leadership, n=8) from leisure, physical activity, health, health inequalities, community, and public health roles who hold responsibility for adoption, commissioning, service delivery, and/or workforce oversight. Participants attended (in-person), one four-hour workshop at the University of Manchester on 23 May 2025.