GRx research
Research shows that a Green Prescription (GRx) is an inexpensive way of increasing activity for sedentary people.
The research also indicates that a GRx can have a significant economic impact, by reducing cardiovascular (and other) morbidity and mortality.
Effectiveness of counselling patients on physical activity in general practice
This research, undertaken by Dr Raina Elley et al. and Waikato general practices, was published in the British Medical Journal (Volume 326, 12 April 2003).
The research indicates that:
- A Green Prescription increases physical activity levels and improves quality of life over 12 months, without evidence of adverse effects.
- The physical activity intervention provided under a Green Prescription may reduce blood pressure by an average of 1-2 mm Hg over 12 months.
- Prompting practice staff to deliver the intervention will increase its effectiveness.
- For every 10 Green Prescriptions written, one person achieved and sustained 150 minutes of moderate or vigorous leisure activity (using up an additional 1000 kcal) per week. This is associated with a 20 to 30% risk reduction in all cause mortality, compared with sedentary individuals.
- The Green Prescription initiative is sustainable in usual general practice.
Photo: Iain McGregor
Updated | 13 Mar 2007.
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