Associations between Physical Activity and Quality of Life: Implications for Primary Care

Abstract

It is increasingly well-known that chronic diseases are placing a burden on the United States, including the healthcare system. Considering chronic disease risk and quality of life (QOL) measures, improving lifestyle behaviors such as physical activity (PA) should be further explored. In particular, using a place-based approach such as the healthcare system to improve lifestyle behaviors is a strategy to explore. Lifestyle Medicine (LM) is an approach that uses behavior as therapy to treat conditions and is suggested as an approach for primary care. The purpose of study 1 was to explore potential differences in QOL of patients who were referred to LM and are categorized into one of three groups 1) did not engaged in LM 2) engaged in up to two sessions of LM 3) engaged in three or more sessions of LM. The purpose of study 2 was to explore the relationship among provider QOL, PA level, and referral practices to LM. Participants completed demographic and lifestyle referral practices questionnaire, RAND-36 item health questionnaire, and Physical Activity Vital Sign questions. Results from study 1 include no significant differences between LM groups, QOL, and PA. Additionally, a significant difference was found for patient general health QOL score for those who met PA guidelines (M = 68.16, SD = 23.346) versus those who did not meet PA guidelines (M = 54.67, SD = 16.23); t (48) = 2.41, p = .02. Results for study 2 include no significant differences between provider PA minutes and LM referral as well as provider general health QOL and LM referral. A significant difference was found for provider general health QOL score for those who met PA guidelines (M = 85.833, SD = 10.68) versus those who did not meet PA guidelines (M = 67, SD = 9.08); t (9) = 3.109, p = .013. This dissertation will further inform the healthcare community (health system and health professionals) about the importance of PA to overall QOL for patients and providers. Moving from sick care to preventive care using LM approaches must be further explored and studied for both improved health outcomes and financial sustainability.