Physical activity education in community rehabilitation

None listed

Clients attend Alfred Health Community Rehabilitation Program for goal-oriented rehabilitation following a change in their health status (i.e. stroke, joint replacement, falls). Many of these clients are elderly and/or suffer from one or more chronic health conditions (i.e. osteoarthritis, diabetes, heart disease). Rehabilitation is targeted to address current goals and concerns, however no formal education is given about the benefit of adherence to a long-term physical activity program. This study will assess the feasibility of delivering a single session intervention of physical activity education and counselling, geared towards encouraging long-term physical activity. The intervention will be delivered at the end of the client’s community rehabilitation program encounter. On completion of baseline measures, clients will be allocated to either the intervention or usual care group. Usual care group clients will receive standard care with the addition of being provided with written physical activity educational material. The intervention group will receive one additional session to their usual therapy regimen, for the provision of physical activity education and counselling. They will also be provided with written educational material and a personalised written walking program. The intervention will be tailored to the participant's stage of change and self efficacy in relation to exercise. These items will be assessed using questionnaires, completed both at baseline and at three-month follow up. The primary outcome will be assessing the feasibility of this intervention, considering the rate of recruitment, completion of the intervention, and follow up rates. Physical activity levels will be assessed using an activity monitor at baseline and three-month follow-up. Participants will need to wear the activity monitor armband for one week at each assessment point. This will collect data about energy expenditure, sedentary time and time spent in moderate and vigorous physical activity. Quality of Life will also be assessed, using a questionnaire.