2019/08/08 by Kelsey Harvey, Meridith Griffin · 21 citations
Medicine · Psychology · Social Sciences · #Affect (linguistics) #Attendance #Cohesion (chemistry) #Intermediary #Medical education #Medicine #Pedagogy #Physical Activity and Health #Political science #Psychology #Sport Psychology and Performance #Sport and Mega-Event Impacts
paper · pdf · doi:10.1017/s0714980819000436
published in Canadian Journal on Aging / La Revue canadienne du vieillissement 39(3), 373-384 (Cambridge University Press)
crossref issued 2019/08/08 · crossref published 2019/08/08 · crossref published-online 2019/08/08 · openalex publication_date 2019/08/08 · crossref created 2019/08/08 · crossref deposited 2020/07/31 · crossref published-print 2020/09/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · crossref indexed 2026/08/07 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/08
Group-exercise instructors are a vital social determinant of exercise enjoyment, attendance, and adherence. Instructors also affect the degree to which physical cultures are socially inclusive. In order to elucidate the roles that instructors play in affecting these outcomes, we conducted a scoping review. Scoping reviews are a preliminary method for assessing the breadth and depth of existing literature in order to identify key themes and gaps therein. Based on Arksey and O'Malley's (2005) framework, we identified 52 articles and book chapters, 33 of which were older-adult specific, using a university search engine that simultaneously searches multiple databases. We conceptually mapped the literature, which revealed instructors' vital roles as: (1) constructors of group social cohesion, (2) cultural intermediaries, (3) competent practitioners, (4) leaders and communicators, and (5) educators. Of these, the instructor's educative role lacks empirical attention. We conclude with implications for future research, practice, and policy.