Motivating older adults to get active: strategies to develop therapeutic alliances in the CHAnGE trial

Short Oral

Abstract Overview

Background:
The CHAnGE (Coaching for Healthy AGEing) trial [1] tested the effectiveness of an intervention that aimed to increase physical activity and prevent falls in 605 community-dwelling people aged 60+. Following home visits, empowerment-focused health coaching was delivered by telephone, fortnightly for 6 months, then monthly for 6 months. The intervention was found to increase physical activity, improve wellbeing and quality of life, and reduce disability.
Purpose:
This qualitative study aimed to explain experiences of therapeutic alliance in the coaching relationships and identify the practical strategies involved in delivering effective physiotherapist-led telephone health coaching.
Methods:
We conducted semi-structured interviews with 32 purposively sampled participants (mean age 72, 22 females) in the CHAnGE trial. Following thematic analysis of the data, we held a focus group with the physiotherapists who delivered health coaching in that trial (n = 3) to explain participants’ experience of therapeutic alliance.
Results:
Participants described highly supportive relationships with their health coaches which sustained their commitment to physical activity. We identified key strategies in the practical delivery of health coaching that fostered this therapeutic alliance. A suite of motivational coaching techniques encouraged collaborative decision-making and helped develop person-centred trusting relationships. This was underpinned by empowerment-focused health coaching training. Professional credibility and structural supports were important assets. Therapeutic alliance was also strengthened by home visits, consistency in the coaching format and provision of free activity monitors.
Conclusions:
Therapeutic alliance is a central element in physiotherapist-delivered health coaching for promoting physical activity in older people. The delivery of effective health coaching relies on key techniques which can be learnt and refined in practice.
Practical implications:
Therapeutic alliance in health coaching can empower older people in active ageing.
Funding:
The CHAnGE study was funded by the NHMRC in Australia.

1. Oliveira JS, et al BJSM 2024 doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2023-107027

Additional Authors

Name: Abby Haynes
Affiliation: The University of Sydney
Presenting Author: no
Name: Cathie Sherrington
Affiliation: The University of Sydney
Presenting Author: no
Name: Elisabeth Ramsay
Affiliation: The University of Sydney
Presenting Author: no
Name: Shona Manning
Affiliation: Charles Sturt University
Presenting Author: no
Name: Leanne Hassett
Affiliation: The University of Sydney
Presenting Author: no
Name: Geraldine Wallbank
Affiliation: The University of Sydney
Presenting Author: no
Name: Anne Tiedemann
Affiliation: The University of Sydney
Presenting Author: no

Please share

Information

Study Type: Intervention
Subtheme: Other (please specify)
Subtheme other Title: Health coaching
Population Group: Older Adults
Setting: Community

Submitting Author

Catherine Kirkham
Research physiotherapist
The University of Sydney
Australia

Please share

Delegate Media Consent

ISPAH respects your privacy and is committed to using event photographs and videos responsibly. We capture media to showcase the value of our activities through various channels, such as our website, social media, and newsletters. Please review the consent details below, with the option to opt out at any time. If you would like to know more about how ISPAH responsibly manages your privacy please view our Privacy Statement.

Purpose: ISPAH would like to capture photographs and videos during the workshops for promotional and communication purposes, including sharing content on our website, social media, newsletters, and other related materials.

Usage:

  • Photographs and videos may be edited and used in ISPAH publications, promotional materials, and online.
  • Your personal details (e.g., name, affiliation) will not be shared unless explicitly consented to in a separate agreement.

Opt-Out Option: You have the right to opt out at any time. Please notify the photographer or videographer at the event, and we will ensure that no images or videos of you are used

Confirmation *