This study aimed to assess the feasibility of delivering a brief physical activity (PA) intervention to community rehabilitation clients. Participants were randomized to receive one session of stage-of-change-based PA education and counseling in addition to written educational material, or education material alone. Outcomes were measured at baseline and 3 months; the primary outcome was feasibility, measured by the percentage of those who were eligible, consented, randomized, and followed-up. A total of 123 individuals were both eligible and interested in participating, 32% of those screened on admission to the program. Forty participants consented, and 35 were randomized, with mean age 72 years (SD = 12.2). At baseline, 66% had recently commenced or intended to begin regular PA in the next 6 months. A total of 30 participants were followed-up. It is feasible to deliver education and counseling designed to support the long-term adoption of regular PA to community rehabilitation clients. Further refinement of the protocol is warranted (ACTRN12617000519358).

Issue AddressedWhat are the effects of a brief intervention to promote physical activity (PA) delivered in a health care setting other than primary care?MethodsMEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO were used to identify randomised controlled trials which evaluated the effect of brief interventions to increase PA, delivered in a health care setting. Review outcomes included subjectively or objectively measured PA, adherence to prescribed interventions, adverse events, health‐related quality of life, self‐efficacy and stage of change in relation to PA. Where possible, clinically homogenous studies were combined in a meta‐analysis.ResultsTwenty‐five eligible papers were included. Brief counselling interventions were associated with increased PA compared to control, for both self‐reported PA (mean difference 34 minutes/week, 95% confidence intervals [95% CI] 9‐60 minutes), and pedometer (MD 1541 steps/day, 95% CI 433‐2649) at medium term follow up.ConclusionOur findings suggest that some brief interventions to increase PA, delivered in the health care setting, are effective at increasing PA in the medium term. There is limited evidence for the long‐term efficacy of such interventions. The wide variation in types of interventions makes it difficult to determine which intervention features optimize outcomes.So What?Brief counselling interventions delivered in a health care setting may support improved PA. Clinicians working in health care settings should consider the implementation of brief interventions to increase PA in vulnerable patient groups, including older adults and those with chronic illness.