Cost-effectiveness of pedometer-based versus time-based Green Prescriptions: the Healthy Steps Study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Health Economics

Background:

• Low physical activity is a significant concern in older adults, impacting quality of life.
• Green Prescriptions are community-based interventions aimed at promoting physical activity.
• Comparing pedometer-based versus time-based approaches is crucial for optimizing intervention effectiveness and cost.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of pedometer-based versus time-based Green Prescriptions.
• To assess improvements in physical activity and health-related quality of life in older adults.
• To determine the economic viability of pedometer interventions for sedentary populations.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 330 low-active adults aged 65 years and over.
• Measurement of costs including public and private healthcare, and exercise-related expenditure.
• Intention-to-treat analysis at 12-month follow-up, assessing weekly leisure walking and EQ-5D scores.

Main Results:

• The pedometer group demonstrated a significantly greater increase in weekly leisure walking (50.6 min) compared to the time-based group (28.1 min).
• No significant differences in total costs were observed between the two groups.
• Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios indicated favorable outcomes for the pedometer approach, particularly when considering various cost perspectives.

Conclusions:

• Pedometer-based Green Prescriptions appear to be a cost-effective method for enhancing physical activity and health-related quality of life in previously inactive older adults.
• The intervention shows statistical cost-effectiveness at various quality-adjusted life year thresholds.
• The findings support the adoption of pedometer-facilitated programs for public health initiatives targeting older populations.