A program to promote physical activity from primary care to achieve satisfactory results in a few months.

The study, in which participated 384 patients, was made in 9 primary care centres in Barcelona.

The program proved to be effective in increasing the level of physical activity of the patients, their quality of life and lower attendance in the chapter

Physical inactivity is a factor of modifiable risk associated with the development of chronic diseases.

Do 30 minutes of moderate physical activity 5 or more days per week supposed health benefits, but most adults do not. In fact, 70% of adults who visit the CAP are sedentary patients.

Primary care is one of the key areas in the promotion of physical activity.

Need to investigate what are the mechanisms and the kind of more effective interventions in primary care for the promotion of physical activity.

The study “referral to a program of promotion of physical activity (PPAF) is from primary care centres: creates adherence to medium-term?” Randomized controlled clinical trial “, born after be implemented as a Community programme within primary care of Barcelona with the aim of assessing the effectiveness of the PPAF, to increase physical activity levels in the population.

“The PPAF is an intervention based on sessions of physical activity, which includes community strategies coordinated with local resources and the incorporation of different professional disciplines. With the creation of the habit of making a regular practice of physical activity, expected at the same time, improve the quality of life of patients and influencing a minor health care pressure.

Total 384 subjects have participated in the study (72.3% women, 27.7 per cent men.) (The average age for both was 66.1 years) 9 cap of Catalonia with a low level of physical activity, autonomous (capable of moving and getting up from a Chair in an autonomous way), and chronic disease. Patients who accepted voluntarily participate are randomized group control (192 patients) or group intervention (192 patients). We evaluated the level of physical activity of the two groups from the increase or decrease in the number of MET minutes / week (the MET is a measure of energy expenditure that consumes an individual).

Intervention was to offer the usual treatment from the consultation to patients in the control group, while in group intervention were offered to participate in a free physical activity program for 3 months at the Centre of primary health care (2 sessions per week of 60 minutes each). The programme was aimed at giving patients enough information and tools that completed the program, incorporated the practice of exercise in your daily life in an autonomous and continuous way. It should be noted that the sessions were given by graduates at CAFE with the support of healthcare professionals (nurses and physiotherapists).

The program proved to be effective to increase the level of physical activity of the patients, their quality of life and lower attendance in the ch. The intervention group significantly increased their physical activity level both at 3 months and 6 months (MET / week: basal = 951,5 ± 546,4; month 3 = 2132,6 ± 643,9; month 6 = 1726 ± 673.7). The control group showed no significant changes.

According to Carmen Martín, research project and Professor of CAFE of the Faculty of psychology, educational sciences and sport Blanquerna (Ramon Llull University), “primary health care has proven to be an ideal place to identify physically inactive adults and begin the Council and the practice of physical activity”contemplating the referral to professional specialists.

Considering that 70% of patients who visit the CAP are sedentary, it is clear that the role of primary care in the promotion of physical activity is essential. “