Creating open access to exercise for low-income patients through a community collaboration for quality improvement: if you build it, they will come

J Ambul Care Manage. 2008 Apr-Jun;31(2):142-50. doi: 10.1097/01.JAC.0000314704.34795.8a.

Abstract

Community health centers face the need for safe, accessible, and affordable exercise for low-income patients to implement self-management strategies. This study reports on one federally qualified health center's experience developing a partnership with a local YWCA to offer open access to patients for physical activity. Over a 24-month period, 1060 adult patients made at least 1 visit to the YWCA, logging a total of 14,276 visits. Among the exercisers, 112 had diabetes and made 3225 visits. Frequent users (> or =24 visits), had an HbAlc reduction of 1% (P = .02). Community health centers can collaborate with local exercise facilities to ensure that patients have opportunities to pursue healthier lifestyles.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Community Health Centers
  • Community Participation
  • Cooperative Behavior*
  • Diabetes Mellitus
  • Exercise*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Poverty*
  • Quality Assurance, Health Care*