Physical activity counseling: Assessment of physical activity by questionnaire

Abstract

Regular physical activity is regarded as an important component of a healthy lifestyle. Nevertheless, most adults remain essentially sedentary. Counseling by healthcare providers has the potential to increase physical activity in sedentary individuals. For effective counseling, healthcare professionals will need information on current recommendations on physical activity, and on the client's current level of physical activity and motivational readiness for change. A standardized questionnaire can be a helpful tool to assess physical activity levels. Administered by interview, the questionnaire will facilitate documentation and analysis of the client's physical activity patterns and will also provide information on the individual stage of motivational readiness for change. According to information derived from the questionnaire, appropriate interventions can be selected.