Implementation and Effectiveness of a Community-based Exercise on Prescription Program for Adults With Chronic Diseases

Implementation and Effectiveness of a Community-based Exercise on Prescription Program for Adults With Chronic Diseases

The objectives were (1) to evaluate the characteristics of the patients referred, and (2) the effect of a community-based Exercise on Prescription program on their physical capacities and their quality of life.

The program consisted in 30 supervised physical activity (PA) group sessions (75 min) over a 4-month period and participant were prescribed the program by their doctors.

The participants had chronic diseases among type 2 diabetes, mental disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, childhood and adult obesity and stabilized cardiovascular diseases.

Tests and questionnaires were completed before and after the program. Physical tests were the 6-minute walk test, the timed up & go, the 30-s stand up chair, the single leg support test and the back scratch and toe-touch tests. Questionnaires were the self-administered Ricci and Gagnon questionnaire about PA level and the 12-Item Short Form Survey for measuring quality of life.

Personal goal from the participants and medical objective from their doctors were collected before the program.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All participant referred to the Exercise on Prescription Program (Caen)

Exclusion Criteria:

• French language not sufficiently read and/or spoken
• Lack of clear information on the study
• Alteration of higher functions or sensory disturbance making understanding and adherence to the research protocol impossible.