Effectiveness of physical activity interventions in primary care settings: an integrative litterature review

Abstract

Physical inactivity and sedentary lifestyle is a significant problem affecting the overall health of Canadian adults, causing a substantial financial burden on healthcare. Primary care settings are an important component of a multifaceted approach to address this problem. Physical activity (PA) health benefits to improve population health are substantial, but initiating PA health promotion in primary care settings remains a challenge. Primary care providers need effective PA intervention clinical tools to succeed in fulfilling a key role in promoting PA. This integrative literature review explores extant evidence related to PA interventions' effectiveness. Background knowledge of primary care, health promotion, and PA interventions' content is presented along with an overview of relevant information on PA. A comprehensive search revealed 13 research articles for analysis. Key findings include evidence on the effectiveness of PA interventions and their components, as well as on the patients and providers' characteristics associated with increased efficacy. As a result, the author develops a checklist to appraise effectiveness of PA interventions, and evaluates a clinical tool with suggested additional components to ensure increased efficiency. Finally, recommendations for clinical practice, education, and research are presented.