The green prescription: A novel way of increasing uptake of physical activity

A 5 minute assessment and advice from a general practitioner (GP) to undertake physical activty (mainly walking) resulted in a marked increase in reported physical activity levels over a 6 week period. The effect was greater when the advice was written in the form of a 'green prescription'. GPs supported the concept of exercise prescriptions and believed that written green prescriptions strengthened their advice. Patients supported the inclusion of physical activity advice in a consultation.