[Physical Activity and Exercise Prescription Plans in Primary Care in Spain: A Comparative Analysis by Autonomous...

To analyze current physical activity and exercise prescription plans in Spain, evaluating their level of implementation, the role of Primary Care, the involvement of nursing professionals, and the integration of community resources.

A descriptive, cross-sectional, observational study based on documentary analysis of public, current, and official plans from the Autonomous Communities.

National scope, within the context of Primary Care in the Spanish National Health System.

Physical activity and exercise prescription plans in force in Spain's 17 autonomous regions and 2 autonomous cities. A total of 11 official plans were included. Non-current documents or those over 15 years old were excluded.

Existence of official plans, inclusion of Primary Care, recognition of nursing as prescribing professionals, incorporation of community assets, and presence of measures related to training, dissemination, research, and evaluation using indicators.

Eleven Autonomous Communities have active plans; ten explicitly include Primary Care, and eight specifically mention nurses as prescribing agents. A high degree of territorial variability was observed, particularly in evaluation (included in only 8 plans) and research (only 4). All plans integrate community resources. Training initiatives and intersectional collaboration measures are frequently included.

There is significant heterogeneity in the development and implementation of physical activity and exercise prescription plans across regions. The key role of nursing within Primary Care is evident. Coordinated models with common indicators, applied research, and intersectional collaboration are essential to ensure their effectiveness and sustainability.