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Primary prevention of CVD: physical activity
1School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK.
BMJ Clinical Evidence
|July 6, 2011
Summary
Encouraging physical activity can reduce mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. This review examines counselling effectiveness and health benefits for increasing physical activity in healthy individuals.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Preventive Medicine
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Physical inactivity is prevalent, affecting up to 25% in Europe and the Americas.
- Increased physical activity is linked to reduced mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if counselling increases physical activity in healthy individuals without existing CVD.
- To assess the cardiovascular health benefits of increased physical activity in this population.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of 21 studies (RCTs, observational studies).
- Searched major databases (Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library) up to September 2008.
- Included harms alerts from regulatory agencies (FDA, MHRA).
Main Results:
- Evidence quality evaluated using GRADE methodology.
- Identified studies meeting inclusion criteria for effectiveness and safety.
Conclusions:
- The review synthesizes evidence on counselling interventions to promote physical activity.
- Effectiveness and safety of higher-intensity exercise programs are also discussed.
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