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Strengthen the Evidence for Maternal and Child Health Programs

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Evidence Tools
MCHbest. Physical Activity.

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Strategy. Individual Counseling by Health Professionals

Approach. Promote physical activity counseling during well-child visits

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Overview. Patient-centered, individual face-to-face counseling may positively influence physical activity levels.[1] More specifically, physical activity consultation can be a cost-effective way of enhancing physical activity and improve weight status among overweight adolescents.[2]

Evidence. Moderate Evidence. Strategies based on moderate evidence show a clear trend toward positive results. While these approaches are likely to be effective, further research is needed to confirm their impact. Implement with evaluation to better understand specific local effects.

Access the peer-reviewed evidence through the MCH Digital Library or related evidence source.

Potential Data Sources. Data to support this strategy can be accessed through:

  • Clinic/provider training records
  • Clinic protocol/policy documentation
  • Patient feedback/surveys

Outcome Components. This strategy has shown to have impact on the following outcomes (Read more about these categories):

  • Health and Health Behaviors/Behavior Change. This strategy improves individuals' physical and mental health and their adoption of healthy behaviors (e.g., healthy eating, physical activity).

Detailed Outcomes. For specific outcomes related to each study supporting this strategy, access the peer-reviewed evidence and read the Intervention Results for each study.

Intervention Type. Counseling (Read more about intervention types and levels as defined by the Public Health Intervention Wheel).

Intervention Level. Individual/Family-Focused

Examples from the Field. Access descriptions of ESMs that use this strategy or aligned components.

Sample ESMs. Here are sample ESMs to use as models for your own measures using the RBA framework (see The Role of Title V in Adapting Strategies).

Quadrant 1:
Measuring Quantity of Effort (“What/how much did we do?”)

  • Number of health professionals trained in evidence-based physical activity counseling techniques. (Assesses capacity building for quality counseling)
  • Number of partnerships led by Title V formed with community organizations to support physical activity recommendations. (Evaluates community integration)

Quadrant 2:
Measuring Quality of Effort (“How well did we do it?”)

  • Percent of well-child visits that include standardized physical activity assessment and counseling. (Measures adherence to best practices)
  • Percent of health professionals demonstrating competence in physical activity counseling. (Evaluates capacity for effective communication)

Quadrant 3:
Measuring Quantity of Effect (“Is anyone better off?”)

  • Number of patients reporting increased knowledge about physical activity benefits after counseling. (Measures changes in patient knowledge)
  • Number of patients setting personal physical activity goals during counseling sessions. (Evaluates patient engagement)
  • Number of patients reporting increased physical activity levels at follow-up visits. (Quantifies behavior change)
  • Number of new school-based physical activity initiatives resulting from healthcare provider support. (Assesses broader community impact)

Quadrant 4:
Measuring Quality of Effect (“How are they better off?”)

  • Percent of patients reporting increased knowledge about physical activity benefits after counseling. (Measures changes in patient knowledge)
  • Percent of patients setting personal physical activity goals during counseling sessions. (Evaluates patient engagement)
  • Percent of patients reporting increased physical activity levels at follow-up visits. (Quantifies behavior change)
  • Percent of new school-based physical activity initiatives resulting from healthcare provider support. (Assesses broader community impact)

Note. When looking at your ESMs, SPMs, or other strategies:

  1. Move from measuring quantity to quality.
  2. Move from measuring effort to effect.
  3. Quadrant 1 strategies should be used sparingly, when no other data exists.
  4. The most effective measurement combines strategies in all levels, with most in Quadrants 2 and 4.

Learn More. Read how to create stronger ESMs and how to measure ESM impact more meaningfully through Results-Based Accountability.

References

1 Proper, K. I., Hildebrandt, V. H., Van der Beek, A. J., Twisk, J. W., & Van Mechelen, W. (2003). Effect of individual counseling on physical activity fitness and health: a randomized controlled trial in a workplace setting. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 24(3), 218-226.

2 Videira-Silva, A., & Fonseca, H. (2017). The effect of a physical activity consultation on body mass index z-score of overweight adolescents: results from a pediatric outpatient obesity clinic. European journal of pediatrics, 176(5), 655-660

This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number U02MC31613, MCH Advanced Education Policy, $3.5 M. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.