Understanding How Intermediaries Connect Adults to Community-Based Physical Activity: A qualitative study

Researchers from the Disciplines of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy in Trinity College Dublin have recently published a study in the journal Plos One, which explored the role of 'intermediaries' when connecting people to physical activity, sport and exercise resources in the community. 'Intermediaries' are professionals who facilitate connections to community services. As such, social prescribing link workers were invited to take part in this study to learn more about their processes and practices when connecting people to community-based physical activity. A link worker also participated on the advisory panel for this study, and provided advise and guidance on who should take part in the study, the study materials, recruitment, and the findings of the study. This study describes the different processes and practices used by social prescribing link workers and other intermediaries such as local sports partnership officers and health promotion and improvement officers when connecting people to community-based physical activity.

Connecting people to local, community-based physical activity - Research infographic

The study , "Understanding How Intermediaries Connect Adults to Community-Based Physical Activity: A Qualitative Study," conducted by PhD Student Megan O’Grady, Dr Emer Barrette, and Professor Deirdre Connolly, investigates the processes and practices intermediaries utilise when linking individuals to physical activity services.

The study, which involved 27 intermediaries from various sectors, including Health Promotion and Improvement, Local Sports Partnerships (LSP), and Social Prescribing (SP), found that while they receive referrals for individuals with physical, mental, and social health needs, referrals specifically aimed at increasing physical activity remain low. Using a person-centred approach, intermediaries work to address barriers to participation, but only Local Sports Partnerships (LSP) and Social Prescribing (SP) services actively connect individuals to physical activities.

This valuable research highlights the importance of strong local networks, as intermediaries rely on these to link people with relevant activities. While support levels vary across services, the study suggests that intermediaries are an underutilised resource in promoting physical activity. Understanding their processes can help shape future strategies to enhance participation through more effective referral pathways and sheds light on the underutilised role of intermediaries in connecting individuals to community-based physical activity, an important factor in promoting overall health.

If you are interested in further information, please contact

Megan O'Grady, PhD Student

Email: ogradyme@tcd.ie

Megan is a PhD student in the Discipline of Physiotherapy in Trinity College Dublin and is a qualified physiotherapist. Clinically, she was most recently employed as the sole physiotherapist for the North Dublin Mental Health Service, developing and providing the mental health in-patient physiotherapy service for the area.

To read the full study: "Understanding How Intermediaries Connect Adults to Community-Based Physical Activity: A Qualitative Study" please go to: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0318687