GP EXERCISE REFERRAL SCHEME

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An exercise referral allows Primary Health Care professionals to refer individuals with a variety of medical conditions and/ or a history of sedentary lifestyle, who would never normally consider participating in regular physical activity, to a short-term, supervised programme of physical activity. 

The aim of this short-term intervention is to promote long-term adherence, by encouraging lifestyle changes, through which more physical activity will be incorporated into their lives.  The scheme may be seen as an alternative or an adjunct to the prescription of drugs for certain conditions, and may ultimately reduce patient visits to the doctor. 

Exercise referral relies heavily on the professionals involved as a powerful motivator in encouraging an individual to take up the supervised exercise programme, and indeed, to continue with physical activity in the long-term.  

For health professionals, the schemes offer a practical approach to promoting physical activity, with a view to preventing and managing a range of medical conditions.  

Exercise referral schemes aim to improve the physical and mental health of participants. Though they are aimed at people with a range of existing, low to moderate risk medical conditions, they should also be viewed as a key role in primary prevention. The scheme is available to patients who meet the following essential criteria: 

■ Sedentary or physically inactive (less than 30 minutes activity per week) 

■ Low to moderate risk health conditions 

■ Aged 16 years or above

■ Would benefit from being more physically active 

■ Keen to do facility based exercise 

The following mild to moderate health problems are recommended reasons for referral onto the scheme:

■  Eligibility Criteria: Health Conditions

* Obesity (30-39.9 kg/m2)

* Osteoarthritis (Mild-Moderate Severity)

* Rheumatoid Arthritis (Medication Controlled)

* Joint Replacement (>3 Months Post Operation)

* Osteoporosis (Diagnosed, Treated & Stable)

* Simple Mechanical Back Pain

* Asthma (Stable & Controlled)

* COPD (Mild-Moderate Severity)

* Stress

* Anxiety (Mild-Moderate Severity)

* Depression (Mild-Moderate Severity)

* Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1)

* Diabetes Mellitus (Type 2)

* Hypercholesterolemia (Diagnosed & Stable)

* Hypertension (Diagnosed & Stable)

* CHD/Angina Pectoris (Stable, No MI)

* How would enrolling on the scheme benefit me? 

* Clients who have any of the conditions  listed above often find that their level of  physical activity is hindered, either by their  physical ailment, or through a psychological fear of over-exerting themselves. 

* The  scheme allows clients to gradually build up to a suitable level of activity, in a safe  environment and under the supervision  of a qualified instructor. 

* Over time, the scheme will give clients the confidence needed to maintain a physically active lifestyle independently and experience a wide range of benefits such as:

• reduced blood pressure 

• reduced risk of both heart disease   and osteoporosis • controlled body weight • increased energy 

• Improved stamina, strength, and tone of muscles, shape, appearance, confidence and posture 

• reduced stress or depression 

N.B. If you have a patient that does not fit these criteria but you feel that they could benefit from participating in our exercise referral scheme, please contact us and we can discuss whether or not it is an option. 

This scheme is not appropriate for high risk individuals. Clinical judgement will be important but usually individuals with the following will not be suitable for referral: 

■ Unstable angina 

■ Unstable hypertension or  

■ Unstable diabetes 

■ Severe coronary heart disease or early post myocardial infarction/coronary artery bypass graft/angioplasty. Cardiac Phase 1,2,3 

■ Unstable and/or severe mental health problem 

■ Pregnancy if previously been sedentary 

Our instructor will contact the referring health professional if we require further advice or clarification on any medical condition or medication. Exercise instructors reserve the right to refuse to support any patient whom they feel unqualified or unconfident to deal with.