Evaluation of a co-developed physical activity referral scheme
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Clinical and cost-effectiveness of a co-developed, evidence-based physical activity referral scheme for the treatment and prevention of health conditions: a pragmatic trial
IRAS ID
238547
Contact name
Paula M Watson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Liverpool John Moores University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 12 months, 00 days
Research summary
Regular physical activity (PA) has been shown to improve health and well-being, particularly for clinical populations. Despite this knowledge, most UK adults are inactive. Exercise referral schemes (ERSs) represent a non-invasive and potentially cost-effective tool for disease prevention. Yet, effectiveness of these schemes is unclear. This may, in part, be due to a lack of evidence underpinning their development. Due to limited effectiveness evidence, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have recommended that ERSs should only be funded if they collect evaluation data and draw on behaviour change components.
The primary aim of this study is to test the effectiveness (change in health and cost-effectiveness) of a PA referral scheme that is underpinned by evidence and behaviour change components. The scheme has been co-developed and piloted in partnership with patients, practitioners, and commissioners to ensure it meets the needs of the local community. This pragmatic evaluation will evaluate. 1. An evidence-based, co-developed PA referral scheme, 2. Usual care ERS, and 3. A no treatment control group.
The co-developed referral scheme is for adults who are inactive and have a health-related condition. Patients will be offered 18 weeks of PA behaviour change support. Rather than exclusively focussing on gym-based activities and classes (typically usual care), the scheme will aim to support participants to incorporate PA into their daily lives. Some may choose to achieve this through formal exercise sessions, whereas others may focus on walking, or becoming more active at home. A variety of cardiometabolic and behavioural health measures will be collected at baseline, week 12, and 6 month follow-up appointments. Staff and patients will be interviewed to explore intervention acceptability and any challenges. Results will inform future evaluation and implementation research as well as commissioning decisions related to the local ERS.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/NW/0039
Date of REC Opinion
2 Mar 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion