AUTHOR=Ory Marcia G. , Smith Matthew Lee , Howell Doris , Zollinger Alyson , Quinn Cindy , Swierc Suzanne M. , Stevens Alan B. 

TITLE=The Conversion of a Practice-Based Lifestyle Enhancement Program into a Formalized, Testable Program: From Texercise Classic to Texercise Select

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=2

YEAR=2015

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2014.00291

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2014.00291

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=<p>Little is known about the structure, content, and benefits of practice-based or grass roots health programs that have been widely delivered by a variety of community organizations and stakeholders. This perspective will document the natural history of Texercise <italic>Classic</italic>, a state-endorsed but previously untested lifestyle health promotion program. It will: (1) discuss Texercise <italic>Classic’s</italic> participant reach and adoption over time; (2) describe the rationale and processes employed to formalize Texercise <italic>Classic</italic> into a more structured program known as Texercise <italic>Select</italic>; (3) outline the essential elements and activities included in Texercise <italic>Select</italic> and contrast them with those included in Texercise <italic>Classic</italic>; and (4) highlight key components for uniform facilitator training. The discussion will reflect upon the evolution of Texercise, compare and contrast the benefits and challenges of each program, and review the “next steps” for Texercise <italic>Select</italic>. In contrasting Texercise <italic>Classic</italic> and <italic>Select</italic>, it is important to understand the benefits and challenges of both programs. Preliminary results indicate that Texercise <italic>Select</italic> is effective, yet its ability to sustain the same reach as Texercise <italic>Classic</italic> remains unknown and an area for future study.</p>