Abstract
BackgroundThere is robust evidence that regular physical activity (PA) has positive health effects. However, the best PA methods and the most important correlates for promoting PA remain unclear. Physical activity on prescription (PAP) aims to increase the patient’s motivation for and level of PA. This study investigated possible predictive baseline correlates associated with changes in the PA level over a 6-month period of PAP treatment in order to identify the primary care patients most likely to benefit from a PAP intervention.MethodsThe study included 444 patients with metabolic risk factors who were aged 27 to 85 years and physically inactive. The patients received PAP treatment that included individual counseling plus an individually-tailored PA recommendation with a written prescription and individualised structured follow-up for 6 months. Eight baseline correlates of PA were analysed against the PA level at the 6-month follow-up in a predictor analysis.ResultsFive baseline correlates predicted the PA level at the 6-month follow-up: self-efficacy expectations for changing PA; the patient’s preparedness and confidence regarding readiness to change PA; a BMI < 30; and a positive valued physical health. The proportion of patients increasing the PA level and achieving a PA level that was in accordance with public health recommendations was higher with a positive valued baseline correlate. The odds of achieving the recommended PA level increased substantially when 2 to 4 predictive correlates were present. PA levels increased to a greater extent among patients with low PA at baseline than patients with high PA at baseline, especially in combination with 2 to 4 positively-valued correlates (87–95% vs. 62–75%).ConclusionsThis study identified potential predictive correlates of an increased PA level after a 6-month PAP intervention. This contributes to our understanding of PAP and could help individualise PAP support. The proportion of patients with the lowest PA level at baseline increased their PA level in a higher extent (84%) and thus may benefit the most from PAP. These results have clinical implications for behavioural change in those patients having the greatest health gains by increasing their PA level.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov; NCT03586011. Retrospectively registered on July 17, 2018.
Highlights
There is robust evidence that regular physical activity (PA) has positive health effects
Factors associated with PA level There was a significant correlation (r = 0.12–0.17) between the following baseline values and the PA level at 6 months: self-efficacy expectations, outcome expectations, enjoyment, readiness to change–PREP, readiness to change–CONF, Body mass index (BMI), physical component summarySF36 score and baseline PA level (Table 3)
The significant variables from the correlation analysis were used in a univariate regression analysis, which showed significant associations between 6 of the 8 baseline correlates with the PA level at the 6-month follow-up (Table 4)
Summary
There is robust evidence that regular physical activity (PA) has positive health effects. Physical activity on prescription (PAP) aims to increase the patient’s motivation for and level of PA. While the evidence supporting the positive health effects of regular PA is robust [7], many people do not achieve the recommended levels of PA. The best way to promote PA and the factors affecting long-term adherence to a PA program remain unclear [10, 11], and there is a need in clinical practice for studies that evaluate strategies that aim to increase PA [12, 13] and the mechanisms underlying PA behaviour [14]. Sherwood and Jeffery studied the factors associated with increased exercise in PA interventions [15] and found that higher motivation for PA, improved self-efficacy for exercise, enhanced social and environmental support, and tailored interventions for subgroups all helped increase PA
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 callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
