Exercise Referral Schemes: indoor versus outdoor activities
Dr. Lawrence Doi (SCPHRP)
10.15, Tuesday 9 July. The Clubhouse, level 4
Background
Exercise Referral Schemes (ERS) aim to treat or prevent ill health in individuals who have or are at risk of ill health by encouraging participation in physical activity. The majority of schemes offer activity to ‘at risk’ groups of people as well as the general population. Most ERS focus on indoor activities, such as swimming or going to the gym rather than outdoor activities. There is evidence that both outdoor and indoor exercise can be beneficial to health. However, what is not known is the relative effectiveness of indoor versus outdoor exercise, and whether the different settings confer different health benefits. In this collaborative project, we are working with a Local Authority (LA) and a third sector partners to pilot a randomised controlled trial on the effectiveness of indoor and outdoor exercise.
Aims/questions
To test the feasibility, acceptability and potential effectiveness of randomising patients, who are referred to ERS, to either indoor or outdoor activities.
Methods
The study will employ both quantitative and qualitative methods, using a realist RCT approach. Patients who are referred to ERS will be randomised to either indoor activity (usual care provided by the LA) or outdoor activity (by the Conservation Volunteers Scotland and walking groups).
Phase 1. The primary objective of this phase is to provide data on the feasibility of recruitment and randomisation, adherence to the intervention, and outcomes of interest (specifically sustainability of physical activity, mental health and wellbeing and social connectedness).
Phase 2. This will involve theorizing and empirically examining underlying mechanisms as well as assessing the feasibility and acceptability of the interventions, and the research methods.
Results
We will present preliminary findings on outcomes, recruitment and randomisation.
Conclusions/points of interest
Findings from this study could allow for adaptation of the intervention or recruitment strategy, and inform decisions for a bigger study. It could also help councils and leisure trusts plan future health programmes and facilities, including new outdoor opportunities.
Exercise Referral Schemes (ERS) aim to treat or prevent ill health in individuals who have or are at risk of ill health by encouraging participation in physical activity. The majority of schemes offer activity to ‘at risk’ groups of people as well as the general population. Most ERS focus on indoor activities, such as swimming or going to the gym rather than outdoor activities. There is evidence that both outdoor and indoor exercise can be beneficial to health. However, what is not known is the relative effectiveness of indoor versus outdoor exercise, and whether the different settings confer different health benefits. In this collaborative project, we are working with a Local Authority (LA) and a third sector partners to pilot a randomised controlled trial on the effectiveness of indoor and outdoor exercise.
Aims/questions
To test the feasibility, acceptability and potential effectiveness of randomising patients, who are referred to ERS, to either indoor or outdoor activities.
Methods
The study will employ both quantitative and qualitative methods, using a realist RCT approach. Patients who are referred to ERS will be randomised to either indoor activity (usual care provided by the LA) or outdoor activity (by the Conservation Volunteers Scotland and walking groups).
Phase 1. The primary objective of this phase is to provide data on the feasibility of recruitment and randomisation, adherence to the intervention, and outcomes of interest (specifically sustainability of physical activity, mental health and wellbeing and social connectedness).
Phase 2. This will involve theorizing and empirically examining underlying mechanisms as well as assessing the feasibility and acceptability of the interventions, and the research methods.
Results
We will present preliminary findings on outcomes, recruitment and randomisation.
Conclusions/points of interest
Findings from this study could allow for adaptation of the intervention or recruitment strategy, and inform decisions for a bigger study. It could also help councils and leisure trusts plan future health programmes and facilities, including new outdoor opportunities.