Researchers in New Zealand identified all sedentary 40-79 year old patients visiting their general practitioner over a five-day period. A total of 878 patients were enrolled in the study. Patients allocated to the intervention group received advice about physical activity and support from exercise specialists. Patients in the control group received usual care.
Physical activity during leisure time and total energy expenditure increased more in the intervention group than in the control group. Measures of self-rated "general health," "vitality," and "bodily pain" also improved significantly more in the intervention group.
A trend towards decreasing blood pressure became apparent but no changes in the risk of coronary heart disease were observed.
This study has shown that brief advice, coupled with ongoing telephone support, can change people's behaviour with respect to physical activity and improve general health, vitality, and bodily pain for at least a year, say the authors.
If implemented widely, such a strategy could result in major health benefits for sedentary people, they conclude.