An exercise programme to help people reduce their risk of developing chronic health conditions has proved to be cost-effective following a major evaluation undertaken by Cardiff and Bangor universities published this week.
The Welsh National Exercise Referral Scheme enables GPs and other health professionals to refer patients at risk of chronic disease to a structured exercise programme that will help them to improve their health.
Patients at risk of illnesses such as heart disease or those with mental health issues have access to a 16-week programme, where they can train with a fully qualified exercise professional who provides advice and support on becoming more active.
Patients can take part in a variety of activities such as walking, circuits, aquafit classes and structured gym sessions. Participants are monitored for a year with progress checks made by exercise professionals at four weeks, sixteen weeks, eight months and twelve months.
The evaluation was undertaken by Cardiff Institute for Society and Health, Cardiff University, with the economic evaluation being completed by the Centre for Health Economics, Bangor University. The main findings in the evaluation were:
- All participants in the scheme had higher levels of physical activity than those in the control group, with this difference being significant for those patients referred for coronary heart disease risk factors.
- There were positive effects on depression and anxiety, particularly in those referred wholly or partially for mental health reasons.
- Overall, 44% of patients completed the Exercise Referral Scheme which compares favourably with other evaluated schemes.
- Greater effects were observed in those patients that completed the course than in those who attended only partially or not at all.
- The economic evaluation demonstrated that the scheme was cost effective.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Jewell said:
“Physical activity is a key part of a healthy lifestyle. We recognise the health and financial cost to the individual and the health service of a lack of physical activity. We’ve been working hard to address this and this scheme is an important, constructive step to encourage people with chronic illnesses to make exercise an essential part of everyday life.
“The evaluation shows us where the scheme has been successful and where additional support may be required to encourage patients to get active.”
