Exercise Promotion in Primary Care

Exercise Promotion in Primary Care: Pilot Study

The investigators conducted a pilot study to determine if telephone counseling, in a health care setting that routinely assesses physical activity of its members, is a feasible approach to improve physical activity among patients with diabetes and prediabetes. The investigators built on an existing innovation at Kaiser Permanente, in which physical activity is assessed at every outpatient visit. The primary aims were to (1) pilot study elements, including database identification of patients; recruitment, training and engagement of health care providers; patient recruitment; data collection procedures; and a 24-week intervention, and (2) to assess feasibility and obtain feedback from key stakeholders on the approach.

Inclusion Criteria:

• prediabetes or diabetes not prescribed insulin
• less than 30 min of physical activity per week
• cleared to increase physical activity by primary care provider

Exclusion Criteria:

• health condition that may limit unsupervised physical activity
• height and weight that were combined and resulted in a BMI > 40 kg/m2
• disabling rheumatoid or osteoarthritis
• ongoing treatment for cancer
• unstable coronary heart disease