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 .
[One-year effect of health counseling on life style and risk factors of heart disease].
INTRODUCTION We examined the need for counselling and the effect on willingness and ability to change life-style , and subsequent changes in risk factors for CHD . MATERIAL AND METHODS All 152 male employees in a computer company , 25 - 45 years of age , were invited to participate in a controlled intervention study over one year . The subjects were r and omised to an intervention group ( I group ) and a control group . The I group was divided into subgroups based on baseline behaviour and risk factor status . Changes were evaluated after one year . After an initial health examination , participants in the I group were counselled at baseline and at 5 months . RESULTS Eighty-five ( 56 % ) men participated . Twenty-nine were assigned to a control group and 56 to an intervention group ( I group ) ( dropouts = 8) . An exercise group ( E group ) was advised to take up aerobics exercise three times/week , a diet group to reduce the intake of saturated fat and increase fish products , and smokers to stop smoking . Forty were recommended one or more behavioural changes and eight had no need . Thirty-four were willing to make behavioural changes . Compared to the control group , the fitness level increased ( p < 0.01 ) and body weight decreased in the I group ( p < 0.05 ) . DISCUSSION Individual counselling promotes regular exercise with subsequent improvements in CHD risk factors . The diet and smoking counselling models were less successful in terms of compliance
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 .