title: [The effectiveness and lessons learned from UK exercise referral systems].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  UK Exercise Referral Systems (ERS) have been developed to encourage physical activity in the general population. This systematic review investigated the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of ERS. Identification of factors influencing ERS uptake, adherence and success were also investigated.
  
  
  METHODS
  Studies were identified from Medline, Cochrane and Pascal and bibliographies of relevant papers. Interventions providing access to ERS (randomized controlled trials or controlled trials), experimental or qualitative studies, and meta-analyses were included.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty six studies met the inclusion criteria. Compared with usual care, ERS showed an increased number of participants who achieved 90-150 minutes of physical activity of at least moderate intensity per week. However, no significant difference in long-term outcomes (e.g., quality of life, body mass index, glycated haemoglobin, anxiety) were identified between ERS and comparator groups. Cost-effectiveness analysis suggested that ERS were more cost-effective for participants with co-morbid medical conditions. A higher adherence rate was associated with better effectiveness of ERS.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Limited evidence supports the efficacy of ERS to increase physical activity or improve health outcomes. This evidence-based analysis could support the development of effective ERS in France.
authors.forename: Paquito
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bernard
mesh_terms: D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000191:economics; D006113:United Kingdom