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Clinical Trial
. 1998 Feb;88(2):288-91.
doi: 10.2105/ajph.88.2.288.

The green prescription study: a randomized controlled trial of written exercise advice provided by general practitioners

B A Swinburn  1 , L G Walter, B Arroll, M W Tilyard, D G Russell
Affiliations
Clinical Trial

The green prescription study: a randomized controlled trial of written exercise advice provided by general practitioners

B A Swinburn et al. Am J Public Health. 1998 Feb.

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine whether written advice from general practitioners increases physical activity among sedentary people more than verbal advice alone.

Methods: Sedentary patients (n = 456) received verbal advice on increasing physical activity and were then randomized to an exercise prescription (green prescription) group or a verbal advice group.

Results: The number of people engaging in any recreational physical activity at 6 weeks increased substantially, but significantly more so in the green prescription group. Also, more participants in the green prescription group increased their activity over the period.

Conclusions: A written goal-oriented exercise prescription, in addition to verbal advice, is a useful tool for general practitioners in motivating their parents to increase physical activity.

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