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Published on: September 26, 2018
Primary prevention of CVD: physical activity
1School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK.
BMJ Clinical Evidence
|May 20, 2009
Summary
Increasing physical activity is linked to lower mortality and cardiovascular risks. This review examines how counseling impacts activity levels and associated health benefits in the general population.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Preventive Medicine
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Physical activity is associated with reduced mortality and cardiovascular disease risk.
- A significant portion of the population, nearly 25% in Europe and the Americas, engages in no weekly physical activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if counseling increases physical activity in the general population.
- To assess the cardiovascular health benefits of increased physical activity.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of 17 studies including systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and observational studies.
- Searched major databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library) up to June 2006.
- Included harms alerts from regulatory agencies like the FDA and MHRA.
Main Results:
- The review identified interventions for increasing physical activity.
- Evidence quality was evaluated using the GRADE system.
Conclusions:
- Information on the effectiveness and safety of counseling to increase physical activity is presented.
- The review also covers higher-intensity exercise programs.
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