Physical Activity on Prescription and Enhanced Individual Support by Physiotherapist

Multimorbidity is common, especially in the elderly population and is associated with a higher risk of mortality and disability, lower quality of life, polypharmacy, increased healthcare use and costs. Physical inactivity increases the risk of multimorbidity and individuals with multimorbidity are more likely to be physically inactive. Physical activity can prevent and treat several diseases. Physical Activity on Prescription (PAP) is an evidence-based method used in health care to increase physical activity. The aim of this study was to investigate whether self-reported physical activity level increase and sedentary time decreases in individuals who have received PAP in health care completed with enhanced individual support by physiotherapist at PAP-reception in wellness center for six months and to compare individuals with one diagnosis to individuals with multimorbidity.

The study population consisted of 331 adults who received PAP in health care and enhanced individual support by a physiotherapist at PAP-reception during six months. Data has been collected retrospectively from a local register with questionnaires from the PAP-reception. Self reported physical activity minutes/week and hours of sedentary time/day were measured at baseline and at six months. Differences in physical activity minutes and sedentary time from baseline to six months have been compared between individuals with one diagnosis and individuals with multimorbidity.