The heterogeneity in reported effects was reduced in higher quality studies , when physical activity was self-directed with some professional guidance and when there was on-going professional support .
Our review suggests that physical activity interventions have a moderate effect on self reported physical activity and cardio-respiratory fitness , but not on achieving a predetermined level of physical activity .
Due to the clinical and statistical heterogeneity of the studies , only limited conclusions can be drawn about the effectiveness of individual components of the interventions .
BACKGROUND Little is known about the effectiveness of strategies to enable people to achieve an increase in their physical activity .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of interventions for promoting physical activity in adults aged 16 years and older , not living in an institution .
A randomized exercise trial in older women: increased activity over two years and the factors associated with compliance.
The health effects of increased physical activity in the prevention or treatment of any disease can only be meaningfully assessed if compliance to the exercise regimen is maintained . The current research examined compliance in a clinical trial investigating the effect of walking on bone loss in 229 postmenopausal women , r and omized into either a walking or a control group . Although at baseline there was no difference in physical activity between the two groups , after a period of 2 yr , the walking group reported significantly greater physical activity as measured by reported mean blocks walked daily and objective activity monitor day readings . Closer examination of the walking group revealed that compliers ( average 7 + miles walked/wk over the 2 yr ) , when compared to non-compliers , tended at baseline to be more active , lighter weight , and non-smokers . However , the variable that best differentiated between the two compliance groups was the frequency of reported illness over the 2-yr period , with compliers cl aim ing significantly less illness
The heterogeneity in reported effects was reduced in higher quality studies , when physical activity was self-directed with some professional guidance and when there was on-going professional support .
Our review suggests that physical activity interventions have a moderate effect on self reported physical activity and cardio-respiratory fitness , but not on achieving a predetermined level of physical activity .
Due to the clinical and statistical heterogeneity of the studies , only limited conclusions can be drawn about the effectiveness of individual components of the interventions .
BACKGROUND Little is known about the effectiveness of strategies to enable people to achieve an increase in their physical activity .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of interventions for promoting physical activity in adults aged 16 years and older , not living in an institution .