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The Article in Brief
Gregory S. Kolt , and colleagues
Background In New Zealand, the Green Prescription is a nationally supported intervention to increase physical activity, encouraging participants to take part in 30 minutes of moderate activity per day. This study compares the effectiveness of a pedometer-based Green Prescription with the current time-based program.
What This Study Found A recommendation for physical activity with pedometer monitoring results in a greater increase in leisure walking among older adults than a Green Prescription that relies only on time-based goals. Among 330 older adults with low levels of physical activity, leisure walking increased by 50 minutes a week among the pedometer-based Green Prescription group compared with 28 minutes a week among the standard Green Prescription group. For both groups, there were significant increases in physical activity that were largely maintained throughout the 12-month study period. Body mass index did not change in either group, but significant improvements in blood pressure were observed for both groups.
Implications
- Pedometers may improve the efficacy of the activity prescription by providing regular objective monitoring and feedback to assist motivation.