Long-Term Health Outcomes Associated With an Exercise Referral Scheme: An Observational Longitudinal Follow-Up Study

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Exercise Science
• Health Promotion

Background:

• Exercise referral schemes (ERSs) aim to increase physical activity in inactive adults with chronic health conditions.
• Long-term effectiveness data for ERSs are limited, necessitating further investigation.
• This study addresses the need for evaluating the sustained impact of ERS participation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the 12-month impact of an exercise referral scheme on self-reported physical activity.
• To evaluate the long-term effects of ERS participation on various health-related outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from participants completing a 24-week ERS with a 52-week follow-up.
• Statistical analysis using Friedman test and Wilcoxon signed-ranks test for physical activity and health outcomes at 1, 24, and 52 weeks.

Main Results:

• A total of 273 participants completed the 52-week follow-up.
• Significant increases in self-reported physical activity (median 636 MET minutes) were observed at 52 weeks.
• Improvements noted in body mass index, systolic blood pressure, mental well-being, and health-related quality of life.

Conclusions:

• One in eight participants referred to the ERS showed long-term health improvements.
• Further long-term evaluations are needed to validate findings across different ERS providers.
• Incorporating device-based physical activity measurements would strengthen future research.