Research project Physically inactive patients may be prescribed Physical Activity on Prescription (PAP), yet many struggle to establish lasting exercise habits. REACH-IT investigates whether a supportive, theory-based exercise intervention can better help inactive individuals become more active by linking primary care with external fitness providers. The goal is to develop a sustainable and cost-effective model that improves motivation, health, and quality of life over time.
Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for poor health. REACH-IT evaluates a novel model in which physically inactive patients prescribed Physical Activity on Prescription (PAP) receive additional support from healthcare professionals to begin group exercise at a fitness facility. By enhancing knowledge, self-efficacy, and social connectedness, the intervention aims to promote long-term behavior change. A randomized controlled trial with two years of follow-up will evaluate effectiveness and implementation potential in Swedish primary care.
Physical inactivity is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, poor mental health, and premature mortality. Although Physical Activity on Prescription (PAP) is an established method in Swedish healthcare, its use remains limited and outcomes vary. Many patients need more than a prescription and general advice to develop sustainable exercise habits. At the same time, external fitness providers offer resources and environments that can support a more active lifestyle, but the transition is often challenging.
REACH-IT (Relatedness-Enhancing Activity and Competence, a Randomized Controlled Health-Intervention Trial) evaluates a novel model in which primary care and fitness facilities work together to support physically inactive patients. All participants receive an individualized PAP prescription and are then randomly assigned to either a control group or an intervention group that participates in a four-month introductory group exercise program.
The exercise program is initially led by a physiotherapist and is designed to gradually strengthen participants’ confidence, competence, and autonomy in the exercise setting. Outcomes are assessed after 6, 12, and 24 months using both objective and self-reported measures of physical activity, physical function, health, and motivation. This allows evaluation of both short- and long-term effects of the intervention.
The project is grounded in motivation research and aims to enhance participants’ sense of competence, autonomy, and relatedness. If effective, the model could increase the use and effectiveness of PAP while reducing workload in primary care through collaboration with the fitness sector. The project also examines implementation strategies in partnership with Region Västerbotten. Ultimately, the findings may inform a scalable model for promoting active and healthy lifestyles among physically inactive individuals across Sweden.
