Development of a physical activity prescription in Luxembourg
16/08/2024
Delagardelle C., Lion A., Theisen D., Urhausen A., Worth M.
https://doi.org/10.34045/SEMS/2024/34
Abstract
Background: We aimed to develop a physical activity prescription (PAP) that would help efficiently promote PA by medical practitioners in Luxembourg.
Methods: During a first phase, a PAP model and its user guide were created by 15 experts (medical doctors, sport and exercise scientists, physiotherapists). Second, this PAP and its user guide were evaluated by a panel of medical doctors (different from the 15 experts) who were asked to answer a questionnaire in 2 rounds using 41 questions and 2 questions, respectively.
Results: The panel was composed of 66 medical practitioners. Of the 41 items of the PAP, six did not reach consensus and had to be re-evaluated during a 2nd round in which 50 medical practitioners participated. After this 2nd round, four items did not reach consensus and were subsequently presented as optional. A consensus was found concerning the PAP guide from the first round.
Conclusion: Our study allowed the development of a consensual tool for the prescription of PA by physicians for physicians. The PAP and its guide may help practitioners to promote health-enhancing PA, in conjunction with a systematic policy-level PA promotion to address the public health issue of physical inactivity.