OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine whether written advice from general practitioners increases physical activity among sedentary people more than verbal advice alone. METHODS:Sedentary patients (n = 456) receivedverbal advice on increasing physical activity and were then randomized to an exercise prescription (green prescription) group or a verbal advice group. RESULTS: The number of people engaging in any recreational physical activity at 6 weeks increased substantially, but significantly more so in the green prescription group. Also, more participants in the green prescription group increased their activity over the period. CONCLUSIONS: A written goal-oriented exercise prescription, in addition to verbal advice, is a useful tool for general practitioners in motivating their parents to increase physical activity.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine whether written advice from general practitioners increases physical activity among sedentary people more than verbal advice alone. METHODS: Sedentary patients (n = 456) received verbal advice on increasing physical activity and were then randomized to an exercise prescription (green prescription) group or a verbal advice group. RESULTS: The number of people engaging in any recreational physical activity at 6 weeks increased substantially, but significantly more so in the green prescription group. Also, more participants in the green prescription group increased their activity over the period. CONCLUSIONS: A written goal-oriented exercise prescription, in addition to verbal advice, is a useful tool for general practitioners in motivating their parents to increase physical activity.
Authors: Paul Little; Martina Dorward; Sarah Gralton; Louise Hammerton; John Pillinger; Peter White; Michael Moore; Jim McKenna; Sheila Payne Journal: Br J Gen Pract Date: 2004-03 Impact factor: 5.386