Abstract
Physical activity (PA) can prevent and treat chronic disease, improve mental health, and enhance quality of life. Yet, inactivity remains a serious public health issue. Prescription To Get Active (RxTGA) is a community-based organization that partners with healthcare providers and the fitness industry to bridge this gap through tailored PA prescriptions. A pandemic-related enrollment decline prompted RxTGA to explore adjunct strategies to boost prescription uptake. Motivational Interviewing via Co-Active Life Coaching (MI) is a validated approach for eliciting health behaviour change; it was hypothesized that integrating MI with RxTGA would prove beneficial for enhancing PA engagement. The study purpose was to examine the effectiveness of RxTGA versus RxTGA plus activity coaching using MI on PA adherence and health indices among adult prescription recipients over a 12-week program. Study involvement experiences were captured qualitatively through open survey questions administered online. Activity coaches were volunteer health and fitness professionals trained for the study. MI participants received 6 weekly, then 3 bi-weekly 30–45-minute calls via phone or online. Overall, 269 adults expressed interest; 77 were randomized to the traditional or activity coaching group. Following study completion, traditional RxTGA participants reported heightened awareness regarding PA importance but were disappointed with the absence of personal support. MI participants expressed appreciation for the connection, motivation, and non-judgement provided by the activity coaches. Considering Canada’s low PA rates and need for wide-reaching supportive interventions, this remote RxTGA coaching-based approach is promising. Findings will be useful for those interested in PA prescription and engagement strategies.
