Increasing physical activity in Belgian type 2 diabetes patients: a three-arm randomized controlled trial.

摘要

BACKGROUND: Pedometer-based physical activity programs have been typically delivered in a group format by a behavioral expert. An alternative strategy that builds on existing interactions is delivery through individual consultation by a general practitioner (GP). These two delivery strategies have not been directly compared. PURPOSE: To compare effectiveness of a 12-week physical activity (PA) intervention for type 2 diabetes patients delivered by a trained GP via an individual consultation or as group delivery by a behavioral expert. METHOD: Sixty-seven primary care participants (mean age = 67.4 years, 70% male) from three Belgian general practices were randomized into three different treatment arms: (1) individual consultation (n = 22) with three PA contacts with the patient's GP; (2) group counseling (n = 21) with three PA group sessions delivered by a behavioral expert; and (3) a control arm (n = 24) receiving no intervention. Participant inclusion criteria were