Physical Activity Counseling and Prescription Among Canadian Primary Care Physicians

Physical Activity Supports Provided by Healthcare Providers to Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

“…Three recent studies indicated that most health care providers ask about physical activity level (Buchholz and Purath, 2007;Harris et al, 2004;Petrella et al, 2007), similar to our finding of just over nine out of 10. Petrella and colleagues (2007) found that 10.9% of health care providers referred to an exercise professional for a fitness assessment and from 9% to 20% (depending on the location) provide a written prescription.…”

“…Petrella and colleagues (2007) found that 10.9% of health care providers referred to an exercise professional for a fitness assessment and from 9% to 20% (depending on the location) provide a written prescription. Consistent with our study, this specific prescription was utilized less than a general prescription (Petrella et al, 2007) likely because health care providers are more confident in providing general advice versus specific advice (Bull et al, 1997).…”

“…Most health care providers ask about the patients" current physical activity level (Buchholz and Purath, 2007;Harris et al, 2004;Petrella et al, 2007) but the assistance is reduced significantly after this questioning. Less than 67% of health care providers advised on physical activity (Buccholz and Purath, 2007), and this is mainly via verbal counseling rather than written prescription (Petrella et al, 2007).…”

“…Less than 67% of health care providers advised on physical activity (Buccholz and Purath, 2007), and this is mainly via verbal counseling rather than written prescription (Petrella et al, 2007). Only 17% (Buccholz and Purath, 2007) to 25% (Petrella et al, 2007) actually assessed fitness and 10.9% referred to another person for a fitness assessment.…”

Self-management of mood and/or anxiety disorders through physical activity/exercise

“…45,46 The advice from a doctor or other health professional to participate in physical activity/exercise was the most important factor associated with being active at least once a week. Although the lack of knowledge and time constraints have been cited as the main barriers for prescribing physical activity/exercise by health professionals, [47][48][49][50] research has shown that family physicians are effective in increasing physical activity/ exercise among primary care patients. 47,51 In light of these findings, it is essential that health professionals recommend physical activity/exercise to their patients with mood and/or anxiety disorders and support their engagement.…”