View article

We compared the effectiveness of 2 physical activity prescriptions delivered in primary care—the standard time-based Green Prescription and a pedometer step-based Green Prescription—on physical activity, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and quality of life in low-active older adults.

We undertook a randomized controlled trial involving 330 low-active older adults (aged =65 years) recruited through their primary care physicians’ patient databases. Participants were randomized to either the pedometer step-based Green Prescription group (n = 165) or the standard Green Prescription group (n = 165). Both groups had a visit with the primary care practitioner and 3 telephone counseling sessions over 12 weeks aimed at increasing physical activity. Outcomes were the changes in physical activity (assessed with the Auckland Heart Study Physical Activity Questionnaire), blood pressure …