Research
Adherence
A comprehensive package of six physical activity interventions (pedometers, mass media, internet, GP prescription, TravelSmart, GP referral) leads to substantial population health improvements and net cost savings for the health sector.
Implementing a mix of strategies—pedometers, media campaigns, internet resources, GP prescriptions, active transport incentives, and clinical referrals—works together to save the healthcare system money while significantly improving public health. The combined effect is greater than any single intervention alone.
ModerateSupportsHIGH confidence
Despite substantial variability in the quantity and quality of evidence on intervention effectiveness... it is highly likely that as a package, all six interventions could lead to substantial improvement in population health at a cost saving to the health sector.
Why this rating
Based on modeling of multiple interventions with varying evidence strengths.
Source
Cost-Effectiveness of Interventions to Promote Physical Activity: A Modelling Study
Linda Cobiac et al. · PLoS Medicine · 2009
DOI 10.1371/journal.pmed.1000110
unknownCited 318×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
Related findings · Adherence
- Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity) reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality by 20-30% and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes by 25-35%.Strong
- Increasing physical activity from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one in middle adulthood significantly reduces the risk of coronary events compared to remaining sedentary.Strong
- Resistance exercise is the only intervention capable of consistently restoring muscle function and strength in sarcopenia, partially overcoming age-related anabolic resistance.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →