Received Exercise Advice Research Articles

Changes in practice of exercise advice provision following the publication of ESC 2020 guidelines on sports cardiology and exercise at a central London inherited cardiac conditions outpatient service

Abstract ESC 2005 and AHA guidelines 2015 in sports cardiology restricted individuals with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) from moderate and high intensity exercise and limited them to low intensity sport.1,2 Perceived increased risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) with vigorous exercise in individuals with HCM was based on early registry data from the United States.3 This enforced sedentary lifestyle has led to an increasing trend towards obesity, atrial fibrillation and atherosclerotic coronary artery disease in patients with HCM.4 Recent ESC 2020 guidelines on exercise5 has enabled clinicians to recommend safe levels of exercise for these patients. We audited how well our outpatient practice reflected the guidance set out in 2020 ESC guidelines on exercise for patients with cardiovascular disease. Electronic records of 731 patients with a clinical diagnosis of HCM seen in our outpatient service between 2008-2023 were audited to determine whether written advice on exercise was given and if this was in line with the current ESC guidelines at any encounter. 731 patients with a mean age of 62±14.5 (range 17-91 years) were seen in our specialist outpatient service. 68% were male. 51% of patients received exercise advice either at their initial visit ± a follow-up visit. A significant proportional increase (16%,P<0.001) was seen in the number of patients receiving exercise advice at their initial visit after publication of the ESC 2020 guidelines (Table 1). 43% (270/634) of those who had their initial visit pre-guidelines received updated exercise advice as per 2020 ESC guidelines during follow-up. There was an increase in the proportion of patients receiving exercise advice each year after publication of ESC guidelines (Graph 1). Immediately following the publication, a high proportion received specific advice pertaining to intensity and duration of exercise (68% in 2020) with a slight decline subsequently (43%, 36% and 47% in 2021, 2022 and 2023 respectively). 27 patients had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in situ at the time of initial review with a further 127 undergoing ICD insertion under our care. SCD risk was documented for 66% (468/704) of patients according to the 2014 ESC Risk-SCD Model. 63% (214/338) of low-risk patients received exercise advice, whilst 77% (40/52) and 54% (42/78) of intermediate and high-risk patients received exercise advice respectively. 22 deaths (3%) were recorded during the follow-up period with none occurring during exercise. All cases except 2 were non-cardiac related. An overall improvement was seen in our practice with a significant increase in the number of patients receiving exercise advice after publication of the new guidelines. Despite this, only 51% of our patients received any written guidance on exercise demonstrating a need for further improvement in our outpatient practice to reflect the paradigm shift in the approach to exercise in individual with HCM as set out by the ESC 2020 guidance.

Clinical and sociodemographic determinants of older breast cancer survivors’ reports of receiving advice about exercise

PurposeExercise offers various clinical benefits to older breast cancer survivors. However, studies report that healthcare providers may not regularly discuss exercise with their patients. We evaluated clinical and sociodemographic determinants of receiving advice about exercise from healthcare providers among older breast cancer survivors (aged ≥65 years).MethodsWe used data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results cancer registries linked to the Medicare Health Outcomes Survey (MHOS) from 2008 to 2015. We included female breast cancer survivors, aged ≥65 years, who completed the MHOS survey ≥2 years after a breast cancer diagnosis in a modified Poisson regression to identify clinical and sociodemographic determinants of reportedly receiving advice about exercise from healthcare providers.ResultsThe sample included 1,836 breast cancer survivors. The median age of the sample was 76 years (range: 72–81). Overall, 10.7% of the survivors were non-Hispanic Black, 10.1% were Hispanic, and 69.3% were non-Hispanic White. Only 52.3% reported receiving advice about exercise from a healthcare provider. Higher body mass index (BMI) and comorbid medical history that included diabetes, cardiovascular, or musculoskeletal disease were each associated with a higher likelihood of receiving exercise advice. Lower education levels, lower BMI, and never having been married were each associated with a lower likelihood of receiving exercise advice.ConclusionsNearly half of breast cancer survivors aged ≥65 years did not report receiving exercise advice from a healthcare provider, suggesting interventions are needed to improve exercise counseling between providers and survivors, especially with women with lower educational attainment who have never been married.

Exercise Habits in People with Parkinson's: A Multinational Survey.

Exercise has been demonstrated to result in improvements in physical function, cognition, and quality of life in People with Parkinson's (PwP) but its adoption is variable. To investigate exercise preferences, levels, influencing factors among a diverse Parkinson's disease (PD) population, to understand exercise adoption patterns and plan informed interventions. A cross-sectional survey collected data through online platforms and paper-based methods. The Exercise Index (ExI) calculated exercise level based on frequency and duration. Of 2976 PwP, 40.6% exercised regularly, 38.3% occasionally, and 21.2% did not exercise. The overall mean ExI was 18.99 ± 12.37. Factors associated with high exercise levels included exercising in groups (ExI 24-26), weightlifting (ExI 27 (highest)), using muscle-building equipment (ExI 25-26), and exercising at home following an app (ExI 26). A positive trend between ExI and varied exercise groups, locations, types, and equipment was observed. No expected benefit from exercise achieved the lowest ExI (8). Having at least two exercise-promoting factors, a bachelor's degree or higher, receiving exercise advice at initial visits, and aged ≤40 years at PD onset were strong predictors of exercise (adjust OR = 7.814; 6.981; 4.170; 3.565). Falls and "other" most troublesome PD symptoms were negative predictors (aOR = 0.359; 0.466). Barriers to exercise did not predict the odds of exercise. The study shows that PwP's exercise behavior is influenced by their exercise belief, age at PD onset, doctor's advice at initial visits, education level, symptoms, and exercise-promoting factors. High exercise levels were associated with certain types of exercises and exercising in groups.

Clinical, demographic, and contextual determinants of older breast cancer survivors' reports of discussions about exercise with healthcare providers.

e22549 Background: Exercise offers various benefits to older breast cancer survivors, but studies report that healthcare providers do not frequently engage in discussions about exercise in clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical, demographic, and contextual determinants of receiving exercise advice from healthcare providers among older breast cancer survivors in the U.S. Methods: Data were obtained from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer registries linked to the Medicare Health Outcomes Survey (MHOS). Participants included women diagnosed with histologically confirmed invasive breast cancer from 2008-2015 who were 65+ years of age and had completed a MHOS survey at least two years after diagnosis. Descriptive statistics were calculated. We conducted a multivariable logistic regression analysis to identify clinical, demographic, and contextual variables associated with the likelihood of receiving exercise advice from a healthcare provider. Results: The sample of breast cancer survivors (n = 1,836) included 960 who received exercise advice and 876 who did not. The median age of the women in the sample was 76.2 years (range: 67.0-100.6). Survivors who were American Indian/Alaska Native/Asian or Pacific Islander (Odds Ratio (OR): 1.54; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.09-2.18) or who had overweight (OR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.17-1.91) or obesity (OR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.31-2.23) were significantly more likely to receive exercise advice. In contrast, survivors who were never married (OR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.37-0.96), had a high school degree (OR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.58-0.92) or less (OR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.42-0.73), were underweight (OR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.36-0.95), or who were older (OR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.96-0.99) had lower odds of receiving advice about exercise. The associations varied by type of comorbidity. Conclusions: Individual clinical and contextual characteristics of breast cancer survivors were associated with the likelihood of receiving exercise advice in a clinical setting. The consideration of the patients’ full range of circumstances when discussing and advising about exercise could potentially improve the overall quality of survivorship care. A personalized clinical decision tool could support individualized discussions about exercise in clinical settings.

Dutch prostate cancer patients' views about exercise and experience with exercise advice: a national survey

PurposeTo support the development and implementation of exercise programming for people with prostate cancer (PC), we investigated their views on exercise.MethodsOnline survey with open recruitment. We collected data on clinical and sociodemographic variables, experiences with exercise advice, outcome expectations, and preferences. We explored determinants of (1) having been counselled about exercise and (2) preferring supervised exercise.ResultsThe survey was completed by 171 patients (mean age = 70 years, SD = 6.5) from all PC treatment pathways. Sixty-three percent of the respondents reported never having been informed about the potential benefits of exercise. Forty-nine percent preferred exercise to be supervised. Respondents generally reported a positive attitude towards exercise. Seventy-four percent indicated barriers to exercising, including fatigue and lack of access to specific programmes. Outcome expectations were generally positive but moderately strong. Receiving hormonal therapy and younger age were significantly associated with having received exercise advice. Being insured and having higher fatigue levels contributed significantly to the preference for supervised exercise.ConclusionDutch people with PC report receiving insufficient effective exercise counselling. Yet, they are open to exercise and expect exercise to improve their health, although they experience various barriers that limit their ability to exercise.Implications for Cancer SurvivorsThe moderate outcome expectations for exercise of people with PC and their limited recall of exercise counselling highlight the need for better integration of exercise in clinical pathways. The lack of access to specific programming limits the use of evidence-based exercise programmes for people with PC.

"I Could Do It in My Own Time and When I Really Needed It": Perceptions of Online Pain Coping Skills Training For People With Knee Osteoarthritis.

To qualitatively explore the perceptions and experiences of people with knee osteoarthritis (OA) who used an online automated pain coping skills training program (PCST). This was a descriptive qualitative study (based on interpretivist methodology) embedded within a randomized controlled trial. Individual semistructured interviews were conducted with 12 people with knee OA who had participated in an 8-week automated online PCST program while also receiving exercise advice and support from a physical therapist via Skype. Interviews in this study focused specifically on the online PCST program, rather than the physical therapy component. Interviews were audiorecorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed. Five themes arose: 1) easy to understand and follow (clearly explained, presented well), 2) better able to cope with pain (controlling pain, helping relax, pacing self, incorporating skills into exercise program), 3) anonymity and flexibility (no judgement by clinician, work at own pace, accessibility), 4) not always relatable or engaging (some techniques not useful, Americanization of the program, annoying character examples, time consuming and slow-paced), and 5) support from clinician desirable (follow-up from a clinician would be beneficial, worked in tandem with physical therapist-prescribed exercise, desire referral to the program by a trusted source). People with knee OA had generally positive experiences using an online PCST program, suggesting that online PCST is a broadly acceptable and accessible way to help people with OA to manage their pain. User engagement may be enhanced by redesigning some aspects of the program and by provision of support from a clinician.

Patients with osteoarthritis are least likely to receive lifestyle advice compared with patients with diabetes and hypertension: A national health survey study from Denmark

To investigate the association between having osteoarthritis (OA), hypertension, or diabetes, either alone or in combination, and receiving guideline-recommended exercise or weight-reduction advice. Cross-sectional study. We applied logistic regression to analyse self-reported data from the 2017 Danish National Health survey (DNHS). We calculated the proportions and odds ratios of receiving exercise advice and weight-reduction advice (if BMI>30) from the general practitioner (GP) in seven patient groups: those with OA or hypertension or diabetes or any combination of these diseases. From the 183,372 DNHS responders, we included 71,717 patients (≥45 years) who reported consulting a GP during the previous year. Among patients with only one disease, those with OA were least likely to receive exercise advice (13%, 1441/11,024) and weight-reduction advice (27%, 504/1877), while those with diabetes were most likely to receive these advice (32%, 387/1200 and 55%, 160/289, respectively).For OA-only patients, the adjusted odds ratios of receiving exercise advice and weight-reduction advice were 1.4 (95% CI 1.3 to 1.5) and 1.6 (95% CI 1.4 to 1.8), respectively, compared with patients with none of the three diseases. For diabetes-only patients, the adjusted odds ratios were 4.2 (95% CI 3.7 to 4.7) and 5.4 (95% CI 4.2 to 7.0), respectively. Few patients with OA self-reported having received guideline-recommended exercise advice, or weight-reduction advice if obese, from their GP. Furthermore, patients with OA were less likely to report having received these advice compared with patients with other chronic diseases.

Improving Lifestyle Behaviors After Breast Cancer Treatment Among African American Women With and Without Diabetes: Role of Health Care Professionals.

Little is known about the effect of health professionals' advice on promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors (diet and exercise) among breast cancer patients. To identify predictors of receiving lifestyle advice from health professionals and its impact on healthy lifestyle behaviors. We used data from a randomized controlled trial of an interactive, cancer-communication video program using African American breast cancer survivor stories for newly diagnosed African American breast cancer patients (Stages 0-III). Participants completed five interviews over 2 years. This intervention did not significantly affect changes in quality-of-life outcomes. In secondary analysis, we examined differences in baseline variables between women with and without diabetes. Logistic regression models identified independent predictors of receiving advice from "a doctor or other health professional" to improve diet and exercise and of self-reported change in diet and exercise habits at 2 year follow-up. Of 193 patients included (85% of 228 enrolled), 53 (28%) had diabetes. At 2 year follow-up, a greater proportion of women with (vs. without) diabetes reported receiving advice by a doctor/health professional to improve their diet (73% vs. 57%, p = .04,). Predictors of receiving dietary advice were obesity, diabetes, and breast-conserving surgery (each p < .05). Women receiving dietary advice were 2.75 times more likely to report improving their diet (95% confidence interval: 1.17, 6.46) at follow-up, but receiving physical activity advice was not significantly associated with patients reporting an increase in exercise. Although receiving dietary advice predicted dietary improvements, receiving exercise advice did not lead to an increase in physical activity. Trial Number NCT00929084.

Experience of physical activity described by patients with heart failure who have received individualized exercise advice: A qualitative study.

ObjectiveTo describe the experience of physical activity in patients with heart failure who were randomized to a control group in which they received exercise advice and motivational support.DesignA qualitative descriptive interview study, using qualitative content analysis.PatientsFifteen patients with heart failure.MethodsInterviews with members of the control group in a physical activity trial (Heart Failure-Wii study), who received exercise advice and telephone follow-ups.ResultsThe experience of physical activity was described by 4 categories: (i) affected by study participation; (ii) impact of having heart failure; (iii) mixed feelings when physically active; and (iv) influence of the social and physical environment. Study participation made patients feel encouraged or obliged, or they gained a sense of security in connection with becoming more physically active. Symptoms, sideeffects and barriers could hamper their physical activity. They changed their type and level of physical activity, or used resources or equipment to become physically active. Patients experienced physical and emotional improvements and developed routines and structures, and their environment and caregivers were able to influence their physical activity.ConclusionThe role of study participation, having heart failure, and psychological and environmental factors describe the experiences of physical activity in patients with heart failure who were randomized to a control group, and are important in evaluating and motivating patients’ physical activity.LAY ABSTRACTNon-adherence to physical activity is common in patients with heart failure. As a consequence, these patients are more likely to have worse health outcomes and to be readmitted to hospital. Patients who are in the control group of an exercise trial can change their physical activity behaviour. In order to effectively advise patients to be physically active, or to evaluate exercise trials, it would be useful to gain more insight into the physical activity experiences of patients participating in control groups of exercise trials. The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of physical activity in patients with heart failure who were randomized to a control group in which they received exercise advice and motivational support. The study found that experience with physical activity was described by 4 categories: (i) affected by study participation; (ii) impact of having heart failure; (iii) mixed feelings when physically active; and (iv) influence of the social and physical environment.

Association of depression symptoms with receipt of healthcare provider advice on physical activity among US adults

BackgroundGiven the high burden and prevalence of depression, various guidelines underscore the role of healthcare providers in supplying advice on physical activity (PA) as a potential modifying factor influencing the incidence and severity of depressive symptoms in adults. We aimed to investigate the extent to which healthcare providers provide PA advice to adults with depressive symptoms in the US. MethodsData on adults aged 20–64 years (n = 4971) in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Study between 2011 and 2016 were analysed. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire and response options were categorised as “none or minimal”, “mild”, “moderate-severe”. Receipt of PA advice from a healthcare provider was self-reported. We restricted our study sample to adults free from chronic diseases. ResultsHigher odds of receiving advice to exercise were reported among adults with mild (OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.3–2.3) and moderate-severe depressive symptoms (OR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.0–2.8). Furthermore, exercise advice was more commonly reported among adults who were overweight, obese, Hispanic, Asian, being insured with private insurance, with education higher than high school, and had access to a routine place for health care. LimitationsSocial and culutral aspects of overweight/obesity may prohibit generalizations. Cross sectional design does not allow for causal realtionships. ConclusionsIn the US, fewer than one in three adults experiencing symptoms of depression report having received exercise advice from a healthcare provider. Providing such advice may be a sustainable clinical strategy in reducing the incidence and severity of depression symptoms.

Implementation of Exercise is Medicine On Campus at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

PURPOSE: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was recently registered as an Exercise is Medicine (EIM) campus. To enable effective and sustainable implementation of EIM within Campus Health, the purpose of the current study was to anonymously survey students and determine: current exercise behavior, barriers and motives, interest in receiving exercise advice and by whom, and appropriate methods of communication. METHODS: 500 surveys were distributed in Campus Health services between January-April 2018. RESULTS: The 407 responders were evenly distributed among college status (20% Freshman, 21% Sophomore, 16% Junior, 17% Senior, 23% Graduate Student, 3% Post-Doc). Time was the biggest barrier to exercise (57%). More than half wanted to receive guidance about exercise (48% Agree, 10% Strongly Agree), and agreed they would be more likely to exercise if they were given advice about exercise (46% Agree, 11% Strongly Agree). Students wanted a referral to an exercise professional (41%), and to receive initial advice and communicate through email (56%). CONCLUSIONS: Students attending Campus Health are interested in receiving exercise guidance and, following a referral, this advice should be delivered by trained exercise professionals, e.g., the Exercise and Sport Science Department. Findings from this study will be used to implement a full trial in Counseling and Psychological Services.

Cancer survivors' experiences of a community-based cancer-specific exercise programme: results of an exploratory survey.

Exercise levels often decline following cancer diagnosis despite growing evidence of its benefits. Treatment side effects, older age, lack of confidence and opportunity to exercise with others in similar circumstances influence this. Our study explored the experiences of people attending a cancer-specific community-based exercise programme (CU Fitter™). A survey distributed to those attending the programme gathered demographic/clinical information, self-reported exercise levels, information provision and barriers to/benefits of exercise. Sixty surveys were evaluable from 65/100 returned (62% female, 68% > 60years, 66% breast/prostate cancer). Most (68%) were receiving treatment. Sixty-eight percent attended classes once or twice weekly. Fifty-five percent received exercise advice after diagnosis, usually from their hospital doctor/nurse. More (73%) had read about exercising, but less used the Internet to source information (32%). Self-reported exercise levels were higher currently than before diagnosis (p = 0.05). Forty-eight percent said their primary barrier to exercising was the physical impact of cancer/treatment. Improving fitness/health (40%) and social support (16%) were the most important gains from the programme. Many (67%) had made other lifestyle changes and intented to keep (50%) or increase (30%) exercising. This community-based cancer-specific exercise approach engaged people with cancer and showed physical, psychological, and social benefits. Community-grown exercise initiatives bring cancer survivors together creating their own supportive environment. Combining this with instructors familiar with the population and providing an open-ended service may prove particularly motivating and beneficial. Further work is required to provide evidence for this.

“I was really sceptical...But it worked really well”: a qualitative study of patient perceptions of telephone-delivered exercise therapy by physiotherapists for people with knee osteoarthritis

Physiotherapists typically prescribe exercise therapy for people with osteoarthritis (OA) via face-to-face consultations. This study aimed to explore peoples' perceptions of exercise therapy delivered by physiotherapists via telephone for their knee OA. A qualitative study (based on interpretivist methodology) embedded within a randomised controlled trial. Semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with 20 people with knee OA who had received exercise advice and support from one of eight physiotherapists via telephone over 6months. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Although people with OA were initially sceptical about receiving exercise therapy via telephone, they described mostly positive experiences, valuing the convenience and accessibility. However, some desired visual contact with the physiotherapist and suggested including video-conferencing calls or an initial in-person clinic visit. Participants valued the sense of undivided focus and attention they received from the physiotherapist and believed that they were able to communicate effectively via telephone. Participants felt confident performing their exercise program without supervision and described benefits including increased muscular strength, improved pain, and ability to perform tasks that they had not been previously able to. People with knee OA held mostly positive perceptions about receiving exercise therapy from a physiotherapist via telephone, suggesting that such a service is broadly acceptable to consumers. Such services were generally not viewed as a substitute for face-to-face physiotherapy care, but rather as a new option that could increase accessibility of physiotherapy services, particularly for follow-up consultations.

Exercise beliefs and behaviours of individuals with Joint Hypermobility syndrome/Ehlers–Danlos syndrome – hypermobility type

Purpose: To explore exercise beliefs and behaviours of individuals with Joint Hypermobility syndrome/Ehlers–Danlos syndrome – hypermobility type and to explore patient experiences of physiotherapy.Methods: A cross sectional questionnaire survey design was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data from adult members of the Hypermobility Syndromes Association and Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome Support UK. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. Qualitative data was analysed thematically.Results: 946 questionnaires were returned and analysed. Participants who received exercise advice from a physiotherapist were 1.75 more likely to report high volumes of weekly exercise (odds ratio [OR] = 1.75, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.30–2.36, p < 0.001) than those with no advice. Participants who believed that exercise is important for long-term management were 2.76 times more likely to report a high volume of weekly exercise compared to the participants who did not hold this belief (OR = 2.76, 95% CI = 1.38–5.50, p = 0.004). Three themes emerged regarding experience of physiotherapy; physiotherapist as a partner, communication – knowledge, experience and safety.Conclusion: Pain, fatigue and fear are common barriers to exercise. Advice from a physiotherapist and beliefs about the benefits of exercise influenced the reported exercise behaviours of individuals with Ehlers–Danlos syndrome – hypermobility type in this survey.Implications for rehabilitationExercise is a cornerstone of treatment for Ehlers–Danlos syndrome/Ehlers–Danlos syndrome – hypermobility type.Pain, fatigue and fear of injury are frequently reported barriers to exercise.Advice from physiotherapists may significantly influence exercise behaviour.Physiotherapists with condition specific knowledge and good verbal and non-verbal communication facilitate a positive therapeutic experience.

Self-Reported Exercise Prevalence and Determinants in the Long Term After Stroke: The North East Melbourne Stroke Incidence Study

Exercise has established benefits following stroke. We aimed to describe self-reported exercise 5 and 10 years after stroke, change in exercise over time, and to identify factors associated with long-term exercise. Data on exercise (defined as 20 minutes' duration, causing sweating and increased heart rate) were obtained by questionnaire from a population-based stroke incidence study with 10-year follow-up. For change in exercise between 5 and 10 years (n = 276), we created 4 categories of exercise (no exercise, ceased exercising, commenced exercising, continued exercising). Multinomial regression determined associations between exercise categories and exercising before stroke, receiving exercise advice and functional ability and demographic factors. The prevalence of exercise at 5 years (n = 520) was 18.5% (n = 96) (mean age 74.7 [standard deviation {SD} 14] years, 50.6% male) and 24% (n = 78) at 10 years. In those with data at both 5 and 10 years (mean age 69 [standard deviation 14] years, 52.9% male), 15% (n = 42) continued exercising, 10% (n = 27) commenced exercising, 14% (n = 38) ceased exercising, and 61% (n = 169) reported no exercise. Continued exercise was associated with younger age (relative risk [RR] .47 95% confidence interval [CI] .25-0.89), greater Barthel score (RR 2.97 95% CI 1.00-8.86), independent walking (RR 2.32 95% CI 1.16-4.68), better quality of life (RR 10.9 95% CI 2.26-52.8), exercising before stroke (RR 16.0 95%CI 4.98-51.5), and receiving advice to exercise (RR 2.99 95% CI 1.73-5.16). Few people exercise after stroke and fewer commence exercise long term. Innovative interventions to promote and maintain exercise are required after stroke.

Trends and disparities in the prevalence of physicians' counseling on exercise among the U.S. adult population, 2000–2010

Recognizing the undisputed health benefits of exercise, physicians' counseling has been included in the Healthy People Objectives since 2000. To address the paucity of data on such counseling at the national level, we examined changing trends and disparities in receiving physicians' counseling on exercise among the physically-able, non-institutionalized U.S. adult population. Data from the 2000, 2005, and 2010 National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS) were examined using logistic regression that included race/ethnicity, age, gender, education, insurance status, number of physician visits in the past year, and body mass index. In 2000, only 22.9% of NIHS respondents had received counseling on exercise, increasing to 33.6% in 2010. Compared with non-Hispanic Whites, non-Hispanic Blacks were 27% less likely to receive exercise advice in 2000 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61-0.87). In later years, they were equally likely to receive advice. Although decreased over the years, male respondents were significantly (34% to 23%) less likely to report receipt of exercise counseling than female patients (in 2010: AOR 0.77, CI 0.72-0.83). Uninsured respondents were 35% less likely to report receiving exercise advice from their provider in all study years (2010: AOR 0.64, CI 0.59-0.72). Patients with increasing levels of education were increasingly more likely to report receipt of counseling in each successive survey year. The overall prevalence of physicians' counseling on exercise increased moderately between 2000 and 2010. Some disparities narrowed and even reversed but significant disparities continue to exist across gender, insurance status, and education level.

Patient-health care professional gender or race/ethnicity concordance and its association with weight-related advice in the United States

ObjectiveExamine association between adult patients’ and health care providers’ (HCPs) gender or race/ethnicity concordance and patients’ reported receiving weight-related advice from HCP’s in USA. MethodsUsing Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) 2004–2007 data, studied prevalence of weight-related advice (on exercise and diet) given to patients and its association with patients/HCPs concordance in gender (n=9,686) and race/ethnicity (n=8,825). ResultsOverall, 46% of patients received HCP advice on diet and 49% on exercise. Overweight females seeing female HCPs were more likely to receive exercise advice than those seeing male HCPs (OR=1.44 [95% CI: 1.10–1.89]). Race/ethnicity concordance was associated with lower odds of advice-receiving in certain populations (OR=0.80 [0.67–0.97] for exercise and OR=0.42 [0.19–0.91] for diet among white patients, OR=0.47 [0.23–0.98] for exercise among Hispanic overweight patients). ConclusionsPatient/HCP gender or race/ethnicity concordance was not positively associated with HCPs providing weight-related advice. Patients with female HCPs or with racial/ethnic discordant HCPs (especially black or Asian HCPs) were more likely to receive advice. Practice implicationsHealth care providers need be empowered, particularly white and male HCPs, to improve delivery of weight-related advice. It may reflect better of receiving weight-related advice based on patients’ recall.

Quality of Nonpharmacological Care in the Community for People with Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis

To assess the quality of nonpharmacological care received by people with knee and/or hip osteoarthritis (OA) in the community and to assess the associated factors. We conducted a postal survey to evaluate 4 OA quality-of-care indicators for knee/hip OA: (1) advice to exercise; (2) advice to lose weight; (3) assessment for ambulatory function; and (4) assessment for nonambulatory function, including dressing, grooming, and arising from a seated position. Eligible participants were identified from the administrative database of British Columbia between 1992 and 2006. In total, 1349 participants reported knee and/or hip OA [knee only = 700 (51.9%); hip only = 261 (19.3%); knee and hip = 388 (28.8%)]. Their mean age was 67.1 years (SD 11.1); 816 (60.5%) were women, and 921 (68.3%) were diagnosed with OA for 6 years or longer. The overall pass rate of the 4 quality indicators was 22.4% (95% CI 20.5, 24.3). The pass rate for the individual quality indicator ranged from 6.9% for assessment of nonambulatory function to 29.2% for receiving assessment of ambulatory function. Receiving exercise advice was associated with having a university degree (vs high school diploma; OR 3.10, 95% CI 2.00, 4.80). Receiving weight-loss advice was associated with being female (OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.71, 4.08), being aged 55-64 years (compared to being aged 75 and over; OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.02, 3.76), and having higher Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scores (for every 10-point increment; OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02, 1.26). On the other hand, having less than a high school education reduced the odds of weight-loss advice (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.30, 0.88). The quality of nonpharmacological care for people with knee/hip OA in the community is suboptimal. Advice on exercise and weight management may not be provided equally across sex, age, disability, and formal education levels.

Prompting Primary Providers to Increase Community Exercise Referrals for Older Adults: A Randomized Trial

To determine whether a clinic-based physical activity promotion intervention can lead to more community-based exercise referrals by providers and higher exercise motivation in patients. Cluster randomized, controlled trial. Seattle Veterans Affairs General Internal Medicine Clinic. Thirty-one physicians and nurse practitioners were randomized to a physical activity counseling intervention or control condition (counseling about tobacco cessation). Three hundred thirty-six patients aged 50 and older and visiting a study provider were enrolled. Intervention providers were trained to offer referrals to community exercise programs for patients who reported before their clinic visit that they were "contemplative" about regular exercise. Process measures of health behavior assessment and provider advice, exercise stage-of-change, proportion of participants reporting regular physical activity. At baseline, 172 intervention patients and 164 controls were similar with respect to sex, age, comorbidity score, and exercise motivation level. Forty-five percent of all intervention patients and 35% of controls reported receiving exercise advice (P=.07). Intervention patients who were contemplative about exercise were even more likely to receive exercise advice than contemplative controls (59% vs 38%; P=.02). After 4 months, 35% of all intervention patients reported regular exercise, compared with 28% of controls (P=.06). Primary providers are more likely to offer exercise advice when informed whether patients are contemplative about exercise. Patients may be more likely to start regular exercise as a result of this advice.