Physician Counseling and Longer Term Physical Activity

While physician counseling has been suggested as a strategy to promote physical activity, there is insufficient evidence to support its effectiveness at present. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of brief physician counseling (modified PACE protocol) and telephone follow-ups on changes in the energy expenditure levels of patients over a 20-month period. Forty-five participants completed physical activity questionnaires at both baseline and 20 months. Following brief physician counseling (modified PACE protocol), patients were randomized into a counseling-only group or an enhanced counseling group that included 3 telephone follow-ups. Energy expenditure significantly increased from baseline (1.5 kcal/kg/d [KKD]) to 20 months (2.2 KKD, P < .05) in both groups. Neither the group nor group-by-time interaction was significant (P > .05). In line with the counseling provided by physicians, participants showed an increase in moderate intensity activities and a decrease in light intensity activities (Ps < .001). These findings provide support for the effectiveness of brief physician counseling. However, the additional telephone support did not appear to enhance the physician counseling.