Prescriptive physical prescription, as a method for increasing patient activity, has attracted attention in recent years. However, few studies have examined adherence as a primary outcome variable. Kallings and colleagues examined self-reported adherence to individualized prescribed physical activity in a routine primary health care setting. Patients receiving an individualized physical activity on prescription (FaR) for prevention or treatment of disease were recruited from 13 Swedish primary health care units. Self-reported adherence, physical activity level, readiness to change to a more physically active lifestyle, and well being were measured with questions at baseline and after six months in 240 patients (mean age 51, range 12 to 80, 75% women). At the 6-month follow-up, a majority (65%) of the patients reported adherence to the activity prescription. Partial adherence was reported by 19% and nonadherence by 16%. There was a relationship between adherence and well being and stages of action or maintenance.

WHAT THE STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A HEALTH CARE PROVIDER: The results demonstrate that adherence to physical activity on prescription is as good as adherence to other treatments for chronic diseases. This is significant because even a small increase in physical activity is important both on an individual level and for public health.

WHAT THE STUDY MAY MEAN TO YOU AS A PATIENT: Although the study relied on self-reported information, the findings are still impressive in that they indicated that patients adhered to individual exercise routines when prescribed. This is important for almost all chronic illnesses ranging from arthritis to diabetes to asthma.

Kallings LV et al. Self-reported adherence: a method for evaluating prescribed physical activity in primary health care patients. Journal of Physical Activity & Health. 2009 Jul;6:483-492.