Enjoyment Mediates Long-term Changes in Physical Activity Level in a Physical Activity on Prescription Intervention.

A sufficient level of physical activity (PA) positively affects health and longevity. In Swedish healthcare, insufficiently physically active patients are offered physical activity on prescription (PAP) treatment, an individual support to increase physical activity level. This study investigates the influence of possible mediators and factors associated with a PA level change in primary care patients during a 5-year PAP intervention. The study population includes 444 patients (56% females), aged 27 to 85 years, with metabolic risk factors and being physically inactive. The patients receive individualized PAP-treatment including PA-consultations, agreed PA recommendations with a written prescription, and structured follow-ups. Associations between 10 theoretical important mediators and factors of PA change, measured at 6 occasions, are analysed against PA level at 5 years and PA level change during the 5-year intervention.