Evaluation of a supervised physical exercise program in primary care

To compare self-perception of health with physical parameters in a population group with chronic illnesses when conducting a group intervention of supervised physical exercise. Intervention study with test-retest evaluation. Serraparera Primary Care Centre (PCC) in the town of Cerdanyola del Vallès (24,735 inhabitants). Patients between 30 and 65 with a chronic illness and attended at the PCC (n = 87). A seven-month programme, based on regular supervised physical exercise, three times a week for an hour, supplemented by organised monthly walks on varying routes. Blood pressure, BMI, flexibility, sub-maximum and at-rest heart rates were measured, and the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) self-perception test conducted. 87 patients began the programme and 51 reached the end. The following was observed in the 51: self-perception of overall improvement in health on the NHP of 9.51 points (CI 95%, 5.73-13.23); lowering of blood pressure, systolic 4.8 mmHg (CI 2.47-7.13) and diastolic 4.78 (CI 3.16-6.46); sub-maximum heart rate, with an average difference of 7.65 pulses per minute; and at-rest heart rate, with a difference of 4.61 ppm. Flexibility increased by 1.37 (CI 1.05-1.69). There was no significant reduction in BMI. Patients with chronic illnesses experienced a notable improvement in the control of their pathology and vital constants. There was also a significant difference detected in patients' perception of their own health.