Physical activity on prescription in accordance with the Swedish model increases physical activity: a systematic review

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study investigates the effects of the core elements of the Swedish model for physical activity on prescription (PAP) by evaluating studies that compared adults who received PAP with adults who did not receive PAP. All participants were adults identified by a healthcare professional as in need of increased physical activity. Primary outcome was level of physical activity.DesignSystematic review.Eligibility criteria(1) Published 1999. (2) Systematic review, randomised controlled trial (RCT), non-RCT or case series (for adverse events). (3) ≥12 weeks’ follow-up. (4) Performed in the Nordic countries. (5) Presented in English, Swedish, Norwegian or Danish.Data sourcesSystematic searches in PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, AMED, CINAHL and SweMed+ in September 2017. Included articles were evaluated using checklists to determine risk of bias.ResultsNine relevant articles were included: seven RCTs, one cohort study and one case series. Primary outcome was reported in seven articles from six studies (five RCTs, one cohort study, 642 participants). Positive results were reported from three of the five RCTs and from the cohort study. No study reported any negative results. Swedish PAP probably results in an increased level of physical activity (GRADE⊕⊕⊕Ο).ConclusionsAlthough the number of the reviewed articles was relatively modest, this systematic review shows that PAP in accordance with the Swedish model probably increases the level of physical activity. As a model for exercise prescription, Swedish PAP may be considered as part of regular healthcare to increase physical activity in patients.

Effect of mindfulness on physical activity in primary healthcare patients: a randomised controlled trial pilot study.

“…PAP is presently, in the Swedish healthcare system, the only accessible tool for motivating inactive people to increase their overall activity level. PAP has indeed shown effectiveness according to Onerup et al (11), but the findings in our study could not confirm this effect with activity monitors. Our results are consistent with a previous study (12), which failed to detect any significantly increased MVPA among patients who received PAP.…”

“…The written prescription in the Swedish PAP model can be a proposal for an activity or an extensive solution with a supportive structure depending on the patient's needs and level of motivation. The Swedish PAP model has been associated with up to 60% increased activity levels, but the effect has not shown sustainability over time (9)(10)(11). In some of the studies complemented with pedometers, the most common way to report the effect of PAP has been by self-reported measures (11).…”

“…The Swedish PAP model has been associated with up to 60% increased activity levels, but the effect has not shown sustainability over time (9)(10)(11). In some of the studies complemented with pedometers, the most common way to report the effect of PAP has been by self-reported measures (11). To the authors' knowledge, only one study has used activity monitors to measure the effect of the Swedish PAP model (12) and it failed to show significantly increased levels of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA).…”

A Swedish primary healthcare prevention programme focusing on promotion of physical activity and a healthy lifestyle reduced cardiovascular events and mortality: 22-year follow-up of 5761 study participants and a reference group

“… 26–28 Recently, a systematic review showed that the Swedish model led to increased physical activity and the conclusion was that it can be used routinely in healthcare. 29 …”

Analysis of the convergent validity of the Spanish short version of the Minnesota Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire (VREM) and the Spanish version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire in elderly people (IPAQ-E)

“…El sedentarismo es considerado un factor de riesgo para la salud, por lo que cada vez es más importante que los profesionales de este campo aconsejen la práctica de actividad física (AF) a sus pacientes 1 . Esta estrategia es especialmente relevante para las personas de la tercera edad, en las que la realización de AF se ha relacionado con incrementos tanto en su capacidad funcional como en su calidad y en su esperanza de vida [2][3][4] .…”