Objective

Approximately 42% of Europeans never practice physical activity (PA) or sports and 40% spend more than 5:30 per day in a sitting position. The objective of this literature review is to identify the necessary means to promote PA and tools available for physicians to advise and prescribe a suitable AP.

Material/patients and methods

Electronic database research using Medline, the Cochrane Library and Google Scholar.

Results

Prescription of PA in the medical office is more and more encouraged. Promotion of AP requires different means to develop: academic training of medical students, continuing education of physicians, involvement of public services, personal implication of physicians, knowledge of the local PA and sports network, and medical research. The available tools include the use of specific questionnaires, activity books, fact sheets, PA prescriptions and technologies of quantified self (pedometers, connected bracelets, etc.). In addition, each doctor can use motivational interviewing techniques or brief interview and can refer patients to a specialized professional (specialist in adapted PA, physiotherapist, personnal coach, etc.).

Discussion–conclusion

The final goal of PA counselling in the medical office is to find the motivational resources proper to each patient. This allows physicians to prescribe an AP that gives him pleasure and encourages him to continue this activity on a regular way and over the long term.