Journal article
ACTIVATE: physical activity assessment, prescription and promotion in clinical practice by healthcare professionals – a consensus study initiated by the International Federation of Sports Physical Therapy
British journal of sports medicine, Vol.First online
18/03/2026
PMID: 41850727
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Abstract
The ACTIVATE consensus aimed to develop recommendations for assessing, prescribing and promoting physical activity when healthcare professionals consult patients with non-communicable diseases in clinical practice. We developed the consensus through a comprehensive, multistep approach including 27 experts with professionally diverse backgrounds from 13 different countries, including three patient representatives. Initially, we conducted a survey at the World Congress for Sport Physical Therapy in 2022 to document the need for a consensus, which was followed up by development of a conceptual framework with guiding principles and research questions at a stakeholder meeting. We subsequently conducted three rapid umbrella reviews, covering the existing scientific literature to inform the statements for a Delphi survey. The Delphi survey involved two voting rounds (email survey) and one face-to-face (online) round. Finally, we identified recommendations on how to assess, prescribe and promote physical activity through consensus. We recommend routine physical activity assessments using quick and easy tools, documenting physical activity levels and providing tailored prescriptions for patients not meeting WHO guidelines for physical activity. Furthermore, the ACTIVATE consensus highlights the necessity for regular follow-ups to facilitate patients’ integration of physical activity into their daily routines, to enhance overall well-being and quality of life.
Details
- Title
- ACTIVATE: physical activity assessment, prescription and promotion in clinical practice by healthcare professionals – a consensus study initiated by the International Federation of Sports Physical Therapy
- Creators
- Alessio Bricca - University of Southern DenmarkMette Aadahl - University of CopenhagenSøren T Skou - University of Southern DenmarkJane S Thornton - The University of Western Ontario (Canada, London)Thomas Bandholm - Copenhagen University HospitalJulie Midtgaard - University of CopenhagenHeidi Klakk Egebæk - University College LillebaeltLars Hermann Tang - University of Southern DenmarkJulie Sandell Jacobsen - VIA University CollegeNonhlanhla S Mkumbuzi - Midlands State UniversityGreet Cardon - Ghent UniversityLuciana De Michelis Mendonça - Universidade Federal de Minas GeraisMario Bizzini - Schulthess-KlinikPablo O Policastro - Ministerio de EducaciónUmmukulthoum Bakare - Medical and Scientific Commission, Nigeria Olympic Committee, Lagos, NigeriaJoanne L Kemp - La Trobe UniversityTheodora Papadopoulou - Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (UK)Maria Constantinou - Southern Cross UniversityBritt Elin Øiestad - OsloMet – Oslo Metropolitan UniversityMichael Skovdal Rathleff - Aalborg University HospitalLori A Michener - University of Southern CaliforniaChristopher Napier - Simon Fraser UniversityPhathokuhle Cele Zondi - University of KwaZulu-NatalNicola Phillips - Cardiff UniversityAnthony G Schneiders - Central Queensland UniversityJanus Laust Thompsen - Aalborg UniversityKristian Thorborg - Amager Hospital
- Publication Details
- British journal of sports medicine, Vol.First online
- Publisher
- BMJ Publishing Group Ltd; LONDON
- Identifiers
- 991013370454702368
- Copyright
- © Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2026. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions.
- Academic Unit
- Allied Health and Midwifery; Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article