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The green prescription study: a randomized controlled trial of written exercise advice provided by general practitioners
Swinburn BA, Walter LG, Arroll B, Tilyard MW, Russell DG
American Journal of Public Health 1998 Feb;88(2):288-291
clinical trial
8/10 [Eligibility criteria: Yes; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: Yes; Baseline comparability: Yes; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: Yes; Adequate follow-up: Yes; Intention-to-treat analysis: Yes; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine whether written advice from general practitioners increases physical activity among sedentary people more than verbal advice alone. METHODS: Sedentary patients (n = 456) received verbal advice on increasing physical activity and were then randomized to an exercise prescription (green prescription) group or a verbal advice group. RESULTS: The number of people engaging in any recreational physical activity at 6 weeks increased substantially, but significantly more so in the green prescription group. Also, more participants in the green prescription group increased their activity over the period. CONCLUSIONS: A written goal-oriented exercise prescription, in addition to verbal advice, is a useful tool for general practitioners in motivating their parents to increase physical activity.
Copyright by the American Public Health Association.

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