Promoting physical activity in general practice: a controlled trial of written advice and information materials

Abstract

Objective-To investigate the impact of a simple written prescription for physical activity given by a general practitioner and the eVect of supplementing this with mailed information materials about physical activity. Methods-A controlled trial was conducted in 27 general practices in New South Wales, Australia. Subjects were sequential routine care patients between 25 and 65 years old. Controls (n = 386) were recruited first, and intervention subjects two weeks later. Intervention subjects were randomised to receive a prescription only (n = 380) or a prescription plus a mailed booklet (n = 376). Self reported physical activity levels were measured by interview at baseline, 6-10 weeks, and seven to eight months. Results-By intention to treat, the average changes in minutes of total physical activity did not diVer significantly between the groups. Inactive people in the prescription plus supplementary booklet group were significantly more likely than controls to report an increase in their physical activity by at least 60 min/week after 6-10 weeks (odds ratio 1.58, 95% confidence interval 1.06 to 2.35). No significant short term improvements in self reported activity were shown in the prescription only group. In the supplemented group, the proportion reporting an increase in physical activity to 3344 kJ/week at 6-10 weeks was not significant, and neither intervention group showed significant increases in any of the outcome measures at seven to eight months by intention to treat. Treatment received analysis showed greater improvements in intervention groups, especially the prescription plus booklet group, in which the odds of inactive people in this group reporting increased activity became significant at seven to eight months. Conclusions-A prescription for physical activity from a general practitioner, supplemented by additional written materials, can lead to modest short term improvements in self reported physical activity levels among inactive patients. A prescription alone was found not to be eVective. (Br J Sports Med 2000;34:262-267)

Comparison of Education-Only versus Group-Based Intervention in Promoting Weight Loss: A Randomised Controlled Trial

“…Providing informative materials seems to also promote physical activity levels among inactive patients [8]. In the present study, education-only intervention as well as group-based intervention could not significantly increase physical activity compared with the control intervention, but could decrease body weight and dietary intake.…”

“…Providing a pedometer or informative materials has been shown to promote physical activity [6][7][8]. If education-only intervention is effective to promote weight loss, it could be a cost-effective approach.…”

Physical activity measurements affected participants' behavior in a randomized controlled trial

“…Unexpected increases in the level of physical activity of the control group are frequently observed in (randomized) controlled trials on physical activity promotion [1][2][3][4][5]. To explain this phenomenon, several reasons have been suggested.…”

Physical activity habits of doctors and medical students influence their counselling practices

“…Lifestyle modification is key to managing chronic disease risk, and evidence shows that counselling by doctors can help patients to increase their activity levels 4 – 7. In addition, doctors are well positioned to provide health advice and counselling to their patients.…”