Are physical activity interventions in primary care and the community cost-effective?

Read this article to see how New Zealand's very own Green Prescriptions initiative compared with other initiatives.

The aim of this systematic review was to assess the cost-effectiveness of physical activity interventions in primary care and the community. Thirteen studies fulfilled the reviews inclusion criteria, including New Zealands' green prescription programme study. The overall results of the review were that most interventions to increase physical activity were cost-effective, especially where direct supervision or instruction was not required. Walking, exercise groups, or brief exercise advice on prescription delivered in person, or by phone or mail appeared to be more cost-effective than supervised gym-based exercise classes or instructor-led walking programmes.

Garrett, S., et al. (2011). Are physical activity interventions in primary care and the community cost-effective? British Journal of General Practice, 61 (584), e125-e133

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