Effectiveness of a supervised physical activity programme on physical activity adherence in patients with cardiovascular risk factors

Introduction: Physical activity referral schemes (PARS) in primary care centres increase the level of physical activity (PA) in the general population. However, few studies assess PA adherence after interventions. This study aimed at: (i) to assess PA adherence after a six-month PARS, and at 12-months (after six months of a follow-up period without intervention), (ii) and to assess the impact of PARS on health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF). Materials and methods: Longitudinal design. A total of 323 patients with ≥2 CVRF, in contemplative stage of change, from 27 primary care centres in Catalonia, were referred during 2010-2011 to a six-month PARS (three sessions/week of 60. min of moderate-intensity PA (MPA)). PA level and HRQL were analysed at baseline, at six-months, and at 12-months follow-up measurement, with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (short version), and the SF-12, respectively. Results: Out of the total number of patients (323), 75% (n= 242; 62.6 ± 8.5 years; 75% women) completed the PARS, with a mean attendance of 84.1%. A six-month PARS increased PA level, especially MPA and improved HRQL (p < 0.01). At 12-months, the number of physically inactive patients remained lower than baseline; MPA level decreased, and the positive effects on HRQL were retained, especially in social functioning (26.4), physical functioning (18.2), and emotional component (18.3) (p < 0.01). Conclusions: A six-month PARS decrease the number of inactive patients and improves PA level and HRQL. Improvements in physical functioning, social functioning, and emotional component were retained up to one year. PARS appear to be an adequate treatment to improve the health of patients with CVRF.