Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 14, 2025
05:59
Visualization of Intensity Levels to Reduce the Gap Between Self-Reported and Directly Measured Physical Activity
Published on: March 7, 2019
7.0K
Functionality of Physical Activity Referral Schemes (PARS): A Systematic Review
Francis Ali Albert1, Melissa J Crowe2, Aduli E O Malau-Aduli3
1College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Douglas, QLD, Australia.
Frontiers in Public Health
|July 17, 2020
Summary
Physical Activity Referral Schemes (PARS) motivate individuals to engage in physical activity. Effective PARS involve evidence-based interventions, supervised group activities, and PA specialist support for better adherence and health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Exercise Science
- Health Promotion
Background:
- Physical activity (PA) is crucial for health, yet 60% of the global population is insufficiently active.
- Physical Activity Referral Schemes (PARS) are implemented to increase PA levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the functionality of Physical Activity Referral Schemes (PARS) across various countries.
- To identify factors influencing adherence and health outcomes within PARS.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines.
- Searched 16 electronic databases (Jan 1990–May 2020) for peer-reviewed studies on PARS.
- Included studies reporting adherence, outcomes, interventions, facilitators, and barriers.
Main Results:
- Analyzed 27 studies from eight countries; most referrals were for inactivity.
- Supervised group activities were the primary intervention, with an average participant adherence rate of 77.5%.
- Support systems and the inclusion of PA specialists positively impacted adherence and health outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Physical Activity Referral Schemes (PARS) effectively motivate PA engagement and adherence.
- Optimizing PARS involves utilizing evidence-based guidelines, effective group activities, and integrating PA specialists to improve health outcomes.
