Supplementary material - Characteristics of physical activity peer leader programs for older people: a scoping review

This scoping review investigates peer leader programs as a strategy to promote physical activity (PA) among older adults, addressing a gap in literature concerning the in-depth characteristics, components, and effectiveness of such programs. By analyzing studies from seven databases in English, Portuguese, or Spanish, the review identifies and describes the features of peer leader initiatives aimed at encouraging PA in the elderly. A total of 53 studies were included, with a notable increase in publications since 2018, primarily focusing on randomized clinical trials involving participants of both sexes. The findings highlight that peer leaders typically have an average age of 65.2 years, with a minority having prior training in PA, although over half received specific training for leading PA programs. These programs, which predominantly span 1 to 4 months, often involve resistance exercises, walking, and flexibility/stretching/mobility activities, conducted in homes and community spaces. Despite the substantial number of studies utilizing the peer leader approach, a consistent lack of detailed reporting on the specific characteristics of peer leaders was observed, underscoring a need for more comprehensive documentation to enhance the understanding and implementation of these programs for older adults.