Interventions for physical activity promotion applied to the primary healthcare settings for people living in regions of low socioeconomic level: study protocol for a non-randomized controlled trial

• Grant number: 13/26703-8
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants - Publications - Scientific article
• Start date: March 01, 2014
• End date: August 31, 2014
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Collective Health - Public Health
• Principal Investigator: Alex Antonio Florindo
• Grantee: Alex Antonio Florindo
• Host Institution: Escola de Artes, Ciências e Humanidades (EACH). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: São Paulo

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundRegular physical activity practice has been widely recommended for promoting health of population, but the physical activity levels remain low in the population. Therefore, the study of interventions to promote physical activity is essential. Objective: To present the methodology of two physical activity interventions in the project "Ambiente Ativo" or "Active Environment".MethodsNon-randomized controlled intervention trial. 157 individuals were selected: health education (n = 54) supervised exercise (n = 54) and control (n = 49). Intervention based on health education: A multidisciplinary team of health professionals organized the intervention in group discussions, phone calls, SMS and educational material. Intervention based on supervised exercise program: consisted of offering an exercise program in groups supervised by physical education professionals involving strength, endurance and flexibility exercises. The physical activity level was assessed by the International Physical Activity questionnaire (long version), physical activities recalls, pedometers and accelerometers over a seven-day period.DiscussionThis study described two different proposals for promoting physical activity that were applied to adults attended through the public healthcare settings who were living in a region of low socioeconomic level, while respecting the characteristics and organization of the system and its professionals, and also adapting the interventions to the realities of the individuals attended.ConclusionBoth interventions are applicable in regions of low socioeconomic level, while respecting the social and economic characteristics of the region.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT01852981 (AU)