Physical activity and exercise counselling in a primary care setting
Massimo Bolognesi
Although it is known that exercise and regular physical activity brings health benefits, physical
inactivity continues to be prevalent in the world population. The supplier of primary care, that is the
general practitioner, is in an excellent position to offer advice on physical activity and exercise. The
PACE program (Patient-centred Assessment and Counselling for Exercise), which uses the theory of
stages of change, provides a viable structure for advice on exercise, and offers a valuable aid to
general practitioners. This article examines research and theories about advice on exercise and gives
an overview of the PACE program, including PACE protocols and the usefulness of the trans-theoretical
model in the framework and setting of primary care.
Keywords
Primary care, Counselling, PACE protocols, Physical activity.
