[Exercise on Prescription - Patients' Perceptions on Effectiveness and Change in Physical Activity Behavior]

So far physical activity counseling and exercise referral in primary health care are not well established Germany. The exercise referral scheme "Rezept für Bewegung" ("exercise on prescription", "EoP") represents an appropriate tool. The initiative aims to reinforce the physicians' verbal advice via the written prescription. The aim of this study was to assess patients' perceptions of the counseling and their self-reported intention to increase their level of physical activity.

3.9 ± 1.0 months after physical activity counseling and referral 173 patients were invited to fill out a 17-item self-administered questionnaire regarding counseling satisfaction and the impact on physical activity behavior. Study participants were recruited through 12 medical offices in 8 areas of the sports association in Hessen.

Data of 51 patients (aged 56.1 ± 13.3; 35 female) were included in the evaluation. Almost 2/3 of patients reported ≤ 60 min/week physical activity prior to counseling. 63 % of the interviewees rated the counseling good to very good. Following the counseling more than 1/2 of the respondents attended a course at a sports club and 51 % increased their physical activity in daily life. Overall satisfaction with counseling was associated with higher rates of sports participation OR 3.16 (95 % CI 1.07 - 9.33). 49 % of the respondents wished more support from their health insurance to find an appropriate course.

"EoP" may be effective in raising patients' awareness for exercise and health and in increasing participation in physical activity.