What is the clinical evidence from this study?

Study design: Systematic Review. Population: Physical inactivity. Intervention: Brief counselling interventions vs. Control. Primary outcome: Self-reported physical activity (MD 34 minutes/week, 95% CI 9-60).

February 2, 2023

What is the effect of a brief intervention to promote physical activity when delivered in a health care setting? A systematic review

Key Result

Brief counselling interventions in health care settings increased self-reported physical activity by a mean of 34 minutes/week (95% CI 9-60) compared to control at medium-term follow-up.

Study Design

Type

Systematic Review

Structured PICO

Do brief interventions to promote physical activity increase physical activity in patients in a health care setting?

Population

Patients in a health care setting other than primary care (based on 25 included RCTs)

Intervention

Brief interventions/counselling to promote physical activity delivered in a health care setting

Comparator

Control

Outcome

Subjectively or objectively measured physical activity (PA)patient reported

Brief counselling interventions delivered in health care settings effectively increase physical activity in the medium term.

Main Result

Effect estimate: MD 34 minutes/week (95% CI 9-60)

Limitations

Limited evidence for the long-term efficacy of such interventions.
Wide variation in types of interventions makes it difficult to determine which intervention features optimize outcomes.

Abstract

ISSUE ADDRESSED: What are the effects of a brief intervention to promote physical activity (PA) delivered in a health care setting other than primary care? METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO were used to identify randomised controlled trials which evaluated the effect of brief interventions to increase PA, delivered in a health care setting. Review outcomes included subjectively or objectively measured PA, adherence to prescribed interventions, adverse events, health-related quality of life, self-efficacy and stage of change in relation to PA. Where possible, clinically homogenous studies were combined in a meta-analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-five eligible papers were included. Brief counselling interventions were associated with increased PA compared to control, for both self-reported PA (mean difference 34 minutes/week, 95% confidence intervals 95% CI 9-60 minutes), and pedometer (MD 1541 steps/day, 95% CI 433-2649) at medium term follow up. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that some brief interventions to increase PA, delivered in the health care setting, are effective at increasing PA in the medium term. There is limited evidence for the long-term efficacy of such interventions. The wide variation in types of interventions makes it difficult to determine which intervention features optimize outcomes. SO WHAT?: Brief counselling interventions delivered in a health care setting may support improved PA. Clinicians working in health care settings should consider the implementation of brief interventions to increase PA in vulnerable patient groups, including older adults and those with chronic illness.

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