Pilots show increases in physical activity

Trials have shown the success of community approaches to combating physical inactivity.

Results from 10 pilot schemes suggest that initiatives such as exercise referral, motivational interviewing and group activities for the young have increased the amount of physical activity taken by various groups.

Exercise referral resulted in almost 70 per cent of those who were sedentary or lightly active achieving or exceeding recommended levels of physical activity.

Classes and groups worked well on the under-18s, while motivational interviewing inspired the over-50s, according to an evaluation by Leeds Metropolitan University and Ipsos MORI.

To read the general practice physical activity questionnaire and the evaluation of the pilots click below:

http://www.dh.gov.uk/PublicationsAndStatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidanceArticle/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4140877&chk=hLusVH