Researchers Appeal For Volunteers To 'Road-Test' Exercise Programmes Prescribed By East Kent GPs, UK

Main Category: Primary Care / General Practice
Also Included In: Sports Medicine / Fitness
Article Date: 23 Sep 2008 - 3:00 PST


Sport and exercise academics are launching an appeal for local volunteers to 'road-test' East Kent GPs' exercise referral programmes.

Dr Kate Woolf-May and her team from the University's Department of Sports Science aim to find out if exercise programmes prescribed by GPs are successful at enhancing health and reducing body weight. The research has been commissioned by the Department of Public Scrutiny and part funded by Kent County Council.

The researchers are appealing for 80 male adults to take part - 40 of the 80 will undertake an eight-week exercise intervention, assigned by a GP, and the other 40 will continue with their habitual lifestyle.

The participants will be required to complete some questionnaires and undergo some tests to measure their health. Participants are also required to complete a physical activity diary throughout the duration of the study.

The criteria for eligibility are:

• Overweight
• Male
• Non-smokers
• Not currently undertaking any regular physical exercise.

Team member, Dr Gill Perkins, said: "Volunteers who participate in the research study will benefit from a comprehensive health and fitness assessment and be under the constant supervision of sport and exercise experts whilst supporting a very important research project." Dr Kate Woolf-May added: "The aim of this research project is to find out if short-term exercise referral programmes, offered by GPs, are effective in reducing obesity and boosting short and longer-term exercise adherence in overweight adults. The effects of exercise referral upon markers of health in East Kent are currently unknown, therefore, the study aims to address this question."

The research team will carry out the following assessment of the participants before and after the eight-week period, and at 3 and 6 months after the programme to determine the impact of the eight-week intervention:

• A series of health questionnaires
• Dietary analysis
• Quality of life and well being
• Measurement of waist circumference and waist hip ratio
• Body fat percentage
• Body mass index (BMI)
• Aerobic fitness
• Artery 'stiffness'.

Notes

Further information for volunteers

Do I have to take part?

Even if you are accepted onto the study, it is up to you to decide whether or not you wish to take part. If you do decide to participate, you will be given an information sheet to keep and be asked to sign a consent form. However, you are still free to withdraw from the study at any time and without giving a reason. There will be no payment for taking part.

What will happen to me if I take part?

If you decide to take part in the study, please contact the researchers (contact details above) and an appointment will be made for you to visit them in the Sports Science Laboratory at Canterbury Christ Church University. On your first visit you will be shown the tests and have a walk on the treadmill to get used to it.

On the next visit you will be asked to complete some questionnaires and a researcher will be available to assist you if you wish. These include:

-Three physical questionnaires
- Health screening questionnaire
- Food frequency questionnaire
- Quality of life questionnaire.

The researchers will also take a number of measurements (as mentioned above). These will be done in a room that ensures your privacy. Each test will only start when you feel confident and happy about what is required of you.

You are requested to wear loose clothing and not to eat or drink tea, coffee or any drink containing caffeine with two hours of the test, nor to drink alcohol or exercise within the 24 hours prior to any tests. Drinking water is permitted.

How often will I have to be tested?

The above tests will need to be carried out before you can start the 8-week exercise programme. They will also be carried out again after the 8 weeks of exercise and these same assessments will be carried out at 3 months and 6 months after the end of the exercise programme to follow your exercise and lifestyle habits. While you are taking part in the study you will be asked not to drastically change your diet unless specifically requested to do so by your GP.

Will taking part harm my health?

During any physical activity or exercise, there is always a slight increased risk to health, however, for those without underlying heart disease, the risks are extremely minimal.

Will my taking part in this study be kept confidential?

All information, which is collected about you during the course of the research, will be kept strictly confidential, and kept in accordance with the 1998 Data Protection Act. Furthermore, any collected data will be kept for the duration of the research and used, even if you withdraw from the study. However, if you request, any personal details will be returned to you upon your withdrawal from the study.

What will happen to the results of the research study?

You will receive a copy of your own results from the study and upon publication of the general results, will be sent a non-technical summary of the results.

Canterbury Christ Church University

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