Challenges and analysis of a local program of exercise prescription for health: The VIU-ACTIU program

Abstract

Abstract. Municipal administration must address its citizens’ physical exercise needs, with a cost-effective and tailored offer. VIU-ACTIU is an overall health promotion strategy, developed around two lines of local intervention: a) advice and prescription of individualized physical exercise, supervised by individuals licensed in physical activity and sports sciences through multidisciplinary coordination with health professionals; and the coordination with local agents in policies of revitalization of community health through “health assets” previously mapped. The aim is to assess functional and psychosocial changes after one year of strategy, analyzing the difficulties encountered during its implementation; and to propose improvements. Longitudinal study with pre-post assessments in which 72 participants (63.49±10.92 years old; 81.18±18.45 kg; 54 women) were intentionally assigned to two training proposals (cardiovascular walks; and CV-walks + supervised group training). Statistical analysis also considered differences by age ranges (<65, >65 years old). Cardiorespiratory fitness, agility, and quality of life improved significantly (p<.05) in both groups, with greater benefits in >65 adults. The physical trainer and neuromuscular work in the supervised groups ensured sufficient intensity to improve in <65 elderly. A mandatory post-evaluation is required in the VIU-ACTIU protocol to quantify the benefits of those users who, despite having trained, drop out before the end of the program. Interdisciplinary collaboration adds value to municipal services with counseling, care, and individualized professional supervision.