Physical activity and health-related quality of life in adults: The "Pas a Pas" community intervention programme

Physical activity is associated with improved mental health and well-being, both factors closely linked to health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Studies that analyse the effect of aerobic physical activity on HRQoL have shown inconsistent results. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness a supervised aerobic physical activity programme consisted on walking groups and including socio-cultural activities on HRQoL in adult who attend primary care centres. We conducted a randomized clinical trial with controlled group, which consisted of a 9-month intervention comprising 120 mM of supervised group walking per week and socio-cultural activities. Socio-demographic characteristics, diagnoses of chronic diseases, BMI (kg/m(2)) and self-esteem score (Rosenberg Scale) were recorded. Physical activity (IPAQ-s) and HRQoL (SF-36) were assessed at baseline and post-intervention and multivariate models adjusted for potential confounders were applied. A total of 440 patients were recruited; 419 met the inclusion criteria and were individually randomized to either the control (n = 114) or intervention groups (n = 305). Results from post-intervention showed that total physical activity significantly increased in the intervention group compared to the control group (+832.7 vs -162.1 MET/min/week, respectively). In women, the intervention had a positive effect significantly on the following HRQoL items: Physical Functioning (+ 10.19 points), Bodily Pain (+ 7.32 points), General Health (+ 2.53 points) and Mental Health (+ 5.65 points). No significant effects were observed in men. Participation in the physical activity intervention programme including socio-cultural activities improved HRQoL in women who attend primary-health care centres.