A green prescription study: does written exercise prescribed by a physician result in increased physical activity among older adults?
OBJECTIVE
To determine if a written exercise prescription increases physical activity when added to verbal advice.


METHODS
Forty-nine community-dwelling older adults supplied their geriatricians with baseline data on their exercise levels using a questionnaire. Participants were randomly placed in a verbal advice only group or a verbal advice plus written prescription, "green" prescription, group. Outcomes were assessed after 6 weeks.


RESULTS
Both groups showed a significant increase in time spent in physical activity. However, no significant differences between groups due to the effects of the different advice modalities were found.


CONCLUSIONS
Geriatricians can effectively promote physical activity among sedentary older adults through goal-oriented physical activity advice.
Pfeiffer
B A
BA
Department of Geriatric Medicine/Gerontology, Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Athens, OH, USA. Pfeiffer@exchange.oucom.ohiou.edu
Clay
S W
SW
Conatser
R R
RR
D000368:Aged; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D055656:Prescriptions; D016896:Treatment Outcome