How to promote physical activity through individual counseling--a proposal for a practical model of counseling on health-related physical activity.

A model was developed to aid practical decision making in the counseling of health-related physical activity. The development was based on the following concepts and theories: (1) A wide concept of physical activity; (2) A logical sequence of the practitioner's work steps; (3) Personal aspect of the client; (4) The client's stages of adoption; (5) Determinants of physical activity; (6) Selected educational concepts; (7) Selected strategies of planned maintenance. The model provides the practitioner the main work steps of counseling to follow and detailed lists of potential factors in each step to be taken into account for effective counseling on health-related physical activity. An illustrative case history is given on the model's application. The model is shown to incorporate central behavioral strategies shown useful in promoting adherence to physical activity.