Research has shown that patients who were given a tailored exercise prescription and behavior change counseling program by their family physician, rather than an exercise prescription alone, had a higher level of fitness and physical activity and lower systolic blood pressure.

A study of 360 healthy men and women, aged 50-85 years, was designed to determine the impact of exercise prescription for older sedentary adults in family practice.

One group of participants received a customized exercise prescription and behavior change program from their family physician. Participants in the control group received an exercise prescription, but no further instructions, from their physician.

“We found that giving out an exercise prescription isn’t always enough,” said Robert J. Petrella, M.D., Ph.D., FACSM, lead author of the study. “To really make an impact, patients need a personalized exercise plan or a recommendation to a qualified professional who can guide them along the way.”

'The Cleansing Center evaluates patients and works closely with physical therapists, personal trainers and Life Coaches to develop a plan of action with intermittent achievable goals with regular follow up to insure a high level of compliance.