Combating Physical Inactivity

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Published: 08 December 2006

Combating Physical Inactivity

The Department of Health has published a report looks at how Local Exercise Action Pilots (LEAP) projects have helped people of all ages to increase their levels of physical activity.

The £2.5 million pilot project tested different community approaches to increasing physical activity through over 50's leisure weeks, free swimming and street dance, and the findings demonstrate that physical activity interventions are cost-effective and can save the NHS money in the long-term by reducing ill-health.

Data collected found:

· Exercise referral schemes resulted in almost 70% of those who were sedentary or lightly active to achieve or exceed recommended levels of physical activity.

· Classes and groups were found as an effective way to engage young people under 18 and address lack of confidence.

· Motivational interviewing was found to inspired the over 50's

With a wide range of people attracted to the LEAP interventions, including those at risk of particular health conditions, the Government has also launched the General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPPAQ) to help GPs and Practice Nurses assess patients' activity levels so that healthcare practitioners and local commissioners can target those at greatest risk from inactivity.

Once the questionnaires are completed, patients will be given physical activity advice as appropriate and information on opportunities to become more active.

The questionnaire paves the way towards the possible establishment of an NHS physical activity care pathway which would ensure patients with most to gain are supported to become more active.

Public Health Minister Caroline Flint said:

"Almost three quarters of adults do not achieve the recommended weekly amounts of physical activity.

This is worrying as keeping physically active helps to prevent and manage more than 20 conditions and diseases such as coronary heart disease and cancer so it is vital that we do everything we can to support people to adopt more active lifestyles.

A fitter nation means a healthier nation which will produce real cost-savings for the NHS."

Young people are said to achieve a total of at least 60 minutes of at least moderate intensity activity each day.

Adults should achieve a total of at least 30 minutes of at least moderate intensity physical activity, on five or more days a week.

Further Information:

Local Exercise Action Pilot

General Practice Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPPAQ)

Sport England

Natural England

NICE Public Health Intervention Guidance

Related Articles:

Healthy Walking

Forecasting Obesity