Abstract
There is strong evidence that inadequate physical activity (PA) leads to an increased risk of lifestyle-related diseases and premature mortality. Physical activity on prescription (PAP) is a method to increase the level of PA of patients in primary care, but needs further evaluation. The aim of this observational study was to explore the association between PAP-treatment and the PA level of patients with metabolic risk factors and the relationship between changes in the PA level and health outcomes at the 6 month follow-up. This study included 444 patients in primary care, aged 27–85 years (56% females), who were physically inactive with at least one component of metabolic syndrome. The PAP-treatment model included: individualized dialogue concerning PA, prescribed PA, and a structured follow-up. A total of 368 patients (83%) completed the 6 months of follow-up. Of these patients, 73% increased their PA level and 42% moved from an inadequate PA level to sufficient, according to public health recommendations. There were significant improvements (p≤ 0.05) in the following metabolic risk factors: body mass index, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein. There were also significant improvements regarding health-related quality of life, assessed by the Short Form 36, in: general health, vitality, social function, mental health, role limitation-physical/emotional, mental component summary, and physical component summary. Regression analysis showed a significant association between changes in the PA level and health outcomes. During the first 6-month period, the caregiver provided PAP support 1–2 times. This study indicates that an individual-based model of PAP-treatment has the potential to change people’s PA behavior with improved metabolic risk factors and self-reported quality of life at the 6 month follow-up. Thus, PAP seems to be feasible in a clinical primary care practice, with minimum effort from healthcare professionals.
Highlights
There is strong evidence that insufficient physical activity (PA) is associated with increased risk of developing lifestyle-related diseases and premature death [1]
In primary care in the city of Gothenburg, health care centers have implemented Physical activity on prescription (PAP)-treatment, individualized for patients with metabolic risk factors, with the purpose of increasing the PA level and health benefits. This specific model of PAP-treatment in daily clinical work has not been evaluated and may add new insights on how the extent of the intervention affects the PA level and health status. The aim of this observational study was to explore the association between PAP-treatment and the PA level of patients with metabolic risk factors and the relationship between changes in the PA level and health outcomes, including metabolic risk factors and health related quality of life (HRQOL) at the 6-month follow-up
The population of central/ western Gothenburg is 220 000 and has a higher socio-economic status compared with Gothenburg overall [24]
Summary
There is strong evidence that insufficient physical activity (PA) is associated with increased risk of developing lifestyle-related diseases and premature death [1]. The presence of MetS carries a high risk for developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes [3]. MetS is associated with physical inactivity, further aggravating the risk of cardiovascular events [4]. Exercise is PA with the objective to improve or maintain physical fitness components and is categorized in terms of the type, frequency, duration, intensity, and purpose [6]. The internationally recommended minimum level of PA [7] is moderate-intensity aerobic PA 150 min per week or, alternatively, vigorous-intensity aerobic PA 75 min per week, which has been associated with a clinically relevant risk reduction. Additional health benefits can be achieved by increased PA, above the national recommendation levels [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
