Preparation for and implementation of a physical activity education program (PEP) in a primary care setting

Background: Physical activity is one of the most important behaviors that humans can engage in to improve their health, yet population rates of physical activity remain considerably low. Additional research on physical activity interventions is necessary, specifically group-based interventions in primary care. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to design and provide an illustration of a group-based physical activity intervention in primary care, called the Physical Activity Education Program (PEP). The aim of Phase 1 was to gather qualitative information from primary care physicians (PCPs) and patients to assist in designing PEP. The aim of Phase 2 was to implement a pilot PEP program and assess its acceptability, feasibility, and impact on physical activity and health outcomes. Methods: PCPs and patients from a family medicine practice (FMMS) were recruited to participate in Phase 1 key informant interviews. The four-week PEP program was implemented in Phase 2. Four patients from FMMS were recruited over the span of a month to participate. The first PEP session occurred in-person, after which the program continued virtually in response to social distancing measures put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. Case descriptions for each participant were used to illustrate the feasibility, acceptability and impact of PEP. Results: Phase 1 key informant interviews helped design the PEP program. Of the four PEP participants, two (50%) completed the program. The PEP program was found to be very satisfactory by completers; satisfaction was slightly lower among non-completers. Physical activity engagement was shown to increase among completers by the end of PEP; at follow-up, physical activity remained at similar levels or higher. Depressive, anxiety, and somatic symptoms decreased among all participants by the end of PEP; one completer exhibited an increase in symptoms at follow-up. Conclusions: This study indicated that implementing a multi-disciplinary, group-based physical activity intervention in primary care is possible. Although the sample size was very small, the impact that the PEP program has on physical activity and health outcomes is promising. Future research is necessary to better understand the feasibility and acceptability of in-person and virtual group-based physical activity interventions in primary care.Psy.D.Includes bibliographical reference