Physician Counseling and Longer Term Physical Activity

Abstract

While physician counseling has been suggested as a strategy to promote physical activity, there is insufficient evidence to support its effectiveness at present. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of brief physician counseling (modified PACE protocol) and telephone follow-ups on changes in the energy expenditure levels of patients over a 20-month period. Forty-five participants completed physical activity questionnaires at both baseline and 20 months. Following brief physician counseling (modified PACE protocol), patients were randomized into a counseling-only group or an enhanced counseling group that included 3 telephone follow-ups. Energy expenditure significantly increased from baseline (1.5 kcal/kg/d [KKD]) to 20 months (2.2 KKD, P < .05) in both groups. Neither the group nor group-by-time interaction was significant (P > .05). In line with the counseling provided by physicians, participants showed an increase in moderate intensity activities and a decrease in light intensity activities (Ps < .001). These findings provide support for the effectiveness of brief physician counseling. However, the additional telephone support did not appear to enhance the physician counseling.

Trends in Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, Diet, and BMI Among US Adolescents, 2001–2009

“…More research is needed to support the efficacy of brief physician interventions as a means of improving obesogenic behaviors in adolescents; however, incorporating behavior change principals into ongoing pediatric care may have promise. [39][40][41] Maintaining a focus on PA and diet while broadening efforts to decrease SBs may be necessary.…”

Self-Report Tools for Assessing Physical Activity in Community-Living Older Adults with Multiple Chronic Conditions: A Systematic Review of Psychometric Properties and Feasibility

“…Many self-report PA tools are available for use in the adult population (persons ≥ 18 years of age) and several tools have been developed specifically for the older adult population (≥ 65 years of age), such as the Community Healthy Activities Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS), the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), the Single Self-Report Physical Activity Question (SR-PA), and the Yale Physical Activity Survey (YPAS) (Bonnefoy et al, 2001; Portegijs et al, 2017; Rosario, Vazques, Cruz, & Ortiz, 2008; Washburn et al, 1993). Research has also shown that PA self-report tools have demonstrated preliminary success as an adjunct to counselling in modifying health behaviours in primary care settings (Petrella & Lattanzio, 2002; Spink & Wilson, 2010). Although to date most PA self-report tools are implemented in the context of research studies, especially larger scale epidemiological research, there is increasing emphasis being placed on the need for clinicians to prescribe and document regular PA as an integral part of primary care (Rippe, 2018).…”

Physical Activity and Breast Cancer Survivorship

“…Physician counseling on physical activity in the primary care setting may be an effective targeted strategy to increase physical activity. [39][40][41] In fact, several reviews examining the impact of physical activity interventions in primary care settings have supported the effectiveness of counseling to increase physical activity. [42][43][44] Unfortunately, physician counseling on physical activity is not done on a regular basis.…”