Mass Participation and Tournament Event Management for the Team Physician: A Consensus Statement (2022 Update).

ABSTRACT: Mass participation events include endurance events (e.g., marathon, triathlon) and/or competitive tournaments (e.g., baseball, tennis, football (soccer) tournaments). Event management requires medical administrative and participant care planning. Medical management provides safety advice and care at the event that accounts for large numbers of participants, anticipated injury and illness, variable environment, repeated games or matches, and mixed age groups of varying athletic ability. This document does not pertain to the care of the spectator.

The Perfect Step is the first one: Improving the quality of life for patients with spinal cord injuries through structured exercise.

CONTEXT: More than 1 million people live with spinal cord injuries (SCI) in the United States alone. Despite research suggesting improvement in functional activities in patients who participate in regular physical activity, there is limited data on the specific impact of exercise as it pertains to patient-reported quality-of-life (QoL) measures of mood, pain, independence, or medical complications. Patients with SCI participating in a longitudinal exercise program at a community-based fitness facility (The Perfect Step) in Pomona, California were invited to participate in this study. This program consisted of at least two hours a week of exercise-based therapy, loadbearing, and neuroplasticity retraining for two years. Participants were asked to retrospectively rate patient-reported quality-of-life outcomes at the start of participation in the program, and at 6, 12, and 24 months after the program start as measured by an 89-item SCI QoL questionnaire covering domains including mood (39 items), pain (16 items), independence (7 items), bladder function (14 items), and pressure ulcers (13 items). 24 patients with SCI (16 cervical, 4 thoracic, 3 lumbar, 1 unspecified) were included in the final analysis. FINDINGS: Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to compare patient-reported outcome measures over time. Patients reported statistically significantly improved outcomes across all domains at all timepoints to varying degrees, with improvement in 73/89 items at 6 months, 57/89 at 12 months, and 65/89 at 24 months after participation start (P < 0.05, all). CONCLUSION/CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Patients with SCI engaging in a structured exercise program demonstrated sustainable, longitudinal improvements in mood, pain control, independence, and fewer impairments related to bladder function and pressure ulcers. Physicians should consider the integration of structured exercise into the rehabilitation program alongside traditional medical care to optimize the quality of life for those with SCI. Future research should involve a direct comparison of QoL in patients with SCI participating in structured exercise versus those who are not.

Mass Participation and Tournament Event Management for the Team Physician: A Consensus Statement (2022 Update).

ABSTRACT: Mass participation events include endurance events (e.g., marathon, triathlon) and/or competitive tournaments (e.g., baseball, tennis, football (soccer) tournaments). Event management requires medical administrative and participant care planning. Medical management provides safety advice and care at the event that accounts for large numbers of participants, anticipated injury and illness, variable environment, repeated games or matches, and mixed age groups of varying athletic ability. This document does not pertain to the care of the spectator.

Medical Encounters and Treatment Outcomes in Ironman-Distance Triathlon.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to examine the injury and illness characteristics, treatments, and outcomes at elite ultraendurance triathlon events. METHODS: We quantified participant demographics, injury types, treatments, and disposition for medical encounters at 27 Ironman-distance triathlon championships from 1989 to 2019. We then calculated the likelihood of concurrent medical complaints in each encounter. RESULTS: We analyzed 10,533 medical encounters among 49,530 race participants for a cumulative incidence of 221.9/1000 participants (95% confidence interval [CI] = 217.7-226.2). Younger (<35 yr; 259.3/1000, 95% CI = 251.6-267.2) and older athletes (70+ yr; 254.0/1000, 95% CI = 217.8-294.4) presented to the medical tent at higher rates than middle-age adults (36-69 yr; 180.1/1000, 95% CI = 175.4-185.0). Female athletes also presented at higher rates when compared with males (243.9/1000, 95% CI = 234.9-253.2 vs 198.0/1000, 95% CI = 193.4-202.6). The most common complaints were dehydration (438.7/1000, 95% CI = 426.2-451.6) and nausea (400.4/1000, 95% CI = 388.4-412.6). Intravenous fluid was the most common treatment (483/1000; 95% CI = 469.8-496.4). Of the athletes who received medical care, 116.7/1000 (95% CI = 110.1-123.4) did not finish the race, and 17.1/1000 (95% CI = 14.7-19.8) required hospital transport. Athletes rarely presented with an isolated medical condition unless their injury was dermatologic or musculoskeletal in nature. CONCLUSIONS: Ultraendurance triathlon events have high rates of medical encounters among female athletes, as well as both younger and older age categories. Gastrointestinal and exertional-related symptoms are among the most common complaints. Intravenous infusions were the most common treatment after basic medical care. Most athletes entering the medical tent finished the race, and a small percentage were dispatched to the hospital. A more thorough understanding of common medical occurrences, including concurrent presentations and treatments, will allow for improved care and optimal race management.

Clinical presentation of exercise-associated hyponatremia in male and female IRONMAN® triathletes over three decades.

PURPOSE: Exercise-associated hyponatremia (EAH) is common in ultra-endurance events and severe cases are more common in females. The purpose of this paper is to compare the clinical presentation of EAH between male and female triathletes in ultra-endurance competitions. METHODS: Medical records with sodium concentrations (n = 3138) from the IRONMAN® World Championships over the timeframe of 1989-2019 were reviewed for both male (n = 2253) and female (n = 885) competitors. Logistic regression was used to explore the relationships between sex, sodium concentration, and various clinical presentations. RESULTS: When comparing male and female triathletes, clinical variables found to have a different relationship with sodium concentration include altered mental status (inversely related in males and not related in females), abdominal pain, muscle cramps, hypotension, and tachycardia (directly related in males and not related in females), and vomiting and hypokalemia (not related in males and inversely related in females). Overall, males lost significantly more weight than females, and notably, approximately half of all athletes were dehydrated and lost weight. CONCLUSIONS: Altered mental status, vomiting, abdominal pain, muscle cramps, hypotension, tachycardia, and hyperkalemia appear to present differently between sexes when comparing hyponatremic to eunatremic athletes. Although overhydration is the most common etiology of hypervolemic hyponatremia, hypovolemic hyponatremia comprises a significant amount of hyponatremic triathletes. Further understanding of how EAH presents helps athletes and medical professionals identify it early and prevent life-threatening complications.

Physical Activity and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Roundtable Statement from the American College of Sports Medicine.

ABSTRACT: Although physical activity (PA) is crucial in the prevention and clinical management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, most individuals with this chronic disease are inactive and do not achieve recommended amounts of PA. There is a robust and consistent body of evidence highlighting the benefit of participating in regular PA, including a reduction in liver fat and improvement in body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, vascular biology, and health-related quality of life. Importantly, the benefits of regular PA can be seen without clinically significant weight loss. At least 150 min of moderate or 75 min of vigorous intensity PA are recommended weekly for all patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, including those with compensated cirrhosis. If a formal exercise training program is prescribed, aerobic exercise with the addition of resistance training is preferred. In this roundtable document, the benefits of PA are discussed, along with recommendations for 1) PA assessment and screening; 2) how best to advise, counsel, and prescribe regular PA; and 3) when to refer to an exercise specialist.

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) International Multidisciplinary Roundtable report on physical activity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: We present findings from the inaugural American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) International Multidisciplinary Roundtable, which was convened to evaluate the evidence for physical activity as a means of preventing or modifying the course of NAFLD. APPROACH AND RESULTS: A scoping review was conducted to map the scientific literature and identify key concepts, research gaps, and evidence available to inform clinical practice, policymaking, and research. The scientific evidence demonstrated regular physical activity is associated with decreased risk of NAFLD development. Low physical activity is associated with a greater risk for disease progression and extrahepatic cancer. During routine health care visits, all patients with NAFLD should be screened for and counseled about physical activity benefits, including reduction in liver fat and improvement in body composition, fitness, and quality of life. While most physical activity benefits occur without clinically significant weight loss, evidence remains limited regarding the association between physical activity and liver fibrosis. At least 150 min/wk of moderate or 75 min/wk of vigorous-intensity physical activity are recommended for all patients with NAFLD. If a formal exercise training program is prescribed, aerobic exercise with the addition of resistance training is preferred. CONCLUSIONS: The panel found consistent and compelling evidence that regular physical activity plays an important role in preventing NAFLD and improving intermediate clinical outcomes. Health care, fitness, and public health professionals are strongly encouraged to disseminate the information in this report. Future research should prioritize determining optimal strategies for promoting physical activity among individuals at risk and in those already diagnosed with NAFLD.

Physical Activity and Cardiorespiratory Fitness as Modulators of Health Outcomes: A Compelling Research-Based Case Presented to the Medical Community.

The beneficial health effects and prognostic significance of regular moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (PA), increased cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), or both are often underappreciated by the medical community and the patients they serve. Individuals with low CRF have higher annual health care costs, higher rates of surgical complications, and are two to three times more likely to die prematurely than their fitter counterparts when matched for risk factor profile or coronary calcium score. Increased levels of habitual PA before hospitalization for acute coronary syndromes are also associated with better short-term cardiovascular outcomes. Accordingly, this review examines these relations and the potential underlying mechanisms of benefit (eg, exercise preconditioning), with specific reference to the incidence of cardiovascular, cancer, and coronavirus diseases, and the prescriptive implications and exercise thresholds for optimizing health outcomes. To assess the evidence supporting or refuting the benefits of PA and CRF, we performed a literature search (PubMed) and critically reviewed the evidence to date. In aggregate, these data are presented in the context of clarifying the impact that regular PA and/or increased CRF have on preventing and treating chronic and infectious diseases, with reference to evidence-based exercise thresholds that the medical community can embrace and promote.

Associations of Physical Inactivity and COVID-19 Outcomes Among Subgroups.

INTRODUCTION: Physical activity before COVID-19 infection is associated with less severe outcomes. The study determined whether a dose‒response association was observed and whether the associations were consistent across demographic subgroups and chronic conditions. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of Kaiser Permanente Southern California adult patients who had a positive COVID-19 diagnosis between January 1, 2020 and May 31, 2021 was created. The exposure was the median of at least 3 physical activity self-reports before diagnosis. Patients were categorized as follows: always inactive, all assessments at 10 minutes/week or less; mostly inactive, median of 0-60 minutes per week; some activity, median of 60-150 minutes per week; consistently active, median>150 minutes per week; and always active, all assessments>150 minutes per week. Outcomes were hospitalization, deterioration event, or death 90 days after a COVID-19 diagnosis. Data were analyzed in 2022. RESULTS: Of 194,191 adults with COVID-19 infection, 6.3% were hospitalized, 3.1% experienced a deterioration event, and 2.8% died within 90 days. Dose‒response effects were strong; for example, patients in the some activity category had higher odds of hospitalization (OR=1.43; 95% CI=1.26, 1.63), deterioration (OR=1.83; 95% CI=1.49, 2.25), and death (OR=1.92; 95% CI=1.48, 2.49) than those in the always active category. Results were generally consistent across sex, race and ethnicity, age, and BMI categories and for patients with cardiovascular disease or hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: There were protective associations of physical activity for adverse COVID-19 outcomes across demographic and clinical characteristics. Public health leaders should add physical activity to pandemic control strategies.

Temporal changes in personal activity intelligence and the risk of incident dementia and dementia related mortality: A prospective cohort study (HUNT).

Background: The Personal Activity Intelligence (PAI) translates heart rate during daily activity into a weekly score. Obtaining a weekly PAI score ≥100 is associated with reduced risk of premature morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases. Here, we determined whether changes in PAI score are associated with changes in risk of incident dementia and dementia-related mortality. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study of 29,826 healthy individuals. Using data from the Trøndelag Health-Study (HUNT), PAI was estimated 10 years apart (HUNT1 1984-86 and HUNT2 1995-97). Adjusted hazard-ratios (aHR) and 95%-confidence intervals (CI) for incidence of and death from dementia were related to changes in PAI using Cox regression analyses. Findings: During a median follow-up time of 24.5 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 24.1-25.0) for dementia incidence and 23.6 years (IQR: 20.8-24.2) for dementia-related mortality, there were 1998 incident cases and 1033 dementia-related deaths. Individuals who increased their PAI score over time or maintained a high PAI score at both assessments had reduced risk of dementia incidence and dementia-related mortality. Compared with persistently inactive individuals (0 weekly PAI) at both time points, the aHRs for those with a PAI score ≥100 at both occasions were 0.75 (95% CI: 0.58-0.97) for incident dementia, and 0.62 (95% CI: 0.43-0.91) for dementia-related mortality. Using PAI score <100 at both assessments as the reference cohort, those who increased from <100 at HUNT1 to ≥100 at HUNT2 had aHR of 0.83 (95% CI: 0.72-0.96) for incident dementia, and gained 2.8 (95% CI: 1.3-4.2, P<0.0001) dementia-free years. For dementia-related mortality, the corresponding aHR was 0.74 (95% CI: 0.59-0.92) and years of life gained were 2.4 (95% CI: 1.0-3.8, P=0.001). Interpretation: Maintaining a high weekly PAI score and increases in PAI scores over time were associated with a reduced risk of incident dementia and dementia-related mortality. Our findings extend the scientific evidence regarding the protective role of PA for dementia prevention, and suggest that PAI may be a valuable tool in guiding research-based PA recommendations. Funding: The Norwegian Research Council, the Liaison Committee between the Central Norway Regional Health Authority and Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway.

Association Between Personal Activity Intelligence and Mortality: Population-Based China Kadoorie Biobank Study.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively investigate the association between personal activity intelligence (PAI) - a novel metabolic metric which translates heart rate during physical activity into a simple weekly score - and mortality in relatively healthy participants in China whose levels and patterns of physical activity in addition to other lifestyle factors are different from those in high-income countries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From the population-based China Kadoorie Biobank study, 443,792 healthy adults were recruited between June 2004 and July 2008. Participant's weekly PAI score was estimated and divided into four groups (PAI scores of 0, ≤50, 51-99, or ≥100). Using Cox proportional hazard analyses, we calculated adjusted hazard ratios (AHRs) for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all-cause mortality related to PAI scores. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 8.2 (interquartile range, 7.3 to 9.1) years, there were 21,901 deaths, including 9466 CVD deaths. Compared with the inactive group (0 PAI score), a baseline weekly PAI score greater than or equal to 100 was associated with a lower risk of CVD mortality, an AHR of 0.87 (95% CI, 0.81 to 0.94) in men, and an AHR of 0.84 (95% CI, 0.78 to 0.92) in women, after adjusting for multiple confounders. Participants with a weekly PAI score greater than or equal to 100 also had a lower risk of all-cause mortality (AHR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.89 to 0.97 in men, and AHR, 0.93; 95%, 0.88 to 0.98 in women). Moreover, this subgroup gained 2.7 (95% CI, 2.4 to 3.0) years of life, compared with the inactive cohort. CONCLUSION: Among relatively healthy Chinese adults, the PAI metric was inversely associated with CVD and all-cause mortality, highlighting the generalizability of the score in different races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic strata.

The Effectiveness of Neuromuscular Warmups for Lower Extremity Injury Prevention in Basketball: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Neuromuscular warmups have gained increasing attention as a means of preventing sports-related injuries, but data on effectiveness in basketball are sparse. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate evidence of the effectiveness of neuromuscular warmup-based strategies for preventing lower extremity injuries among basketball athletes. METHODS: PubMed and Cochrane Library databases were searched in February 2019. Studies were included if they were English-language randomized controlled, non-randomized comparative, or prospective cohort trials, tested neuromuscular and/or balance-focused warmup interventions among basketball players, and assessed at least one type of lower extremity injury as a primary outcome. Criteria developed by the USPSTF were used to appraise study quality, and GRADE was used to appraise the body of evidence for each outcome. Due to heterogeneity in the included studies, meta-analyses could not be performed. RESULTS: In total, 825 titles and abstracts were identified. Of the 13 studies which met inclusion criteria for this review, five were balance interventions (3 randomized controlled trials) and eight were multicomponent interventions involving multiple categories of dynamic neuromuscular warmup (5 randomized controlled trials). Authors of four of the studies were contacted to obtain outcome data specific to basketball athletes. Basketball specific results from the studies suggest significant protective effects for the following lower extremity injuries: ankle injuries (significant in 4 out of the 9 studies that assessed this outcome); ACL injuries (2 of 4 studies); knee injuries generally (1 of 5 studies); and overall lower extremity injuries (5 of 7 studies). All but one of the non-significant results were directionally favorable. Evidence was moderate for the effect of multicomponent interventions on lower extremity injuries generally. For all other outcomes, and for balance-based interventions, the quality of evidence was rated as low. CONCLUSION: Overall, the evidence is supportive of neuromuscular warmups for lower extremity injury prevention among basketball players. However, most studies are underpowered, some used lower-quality research study designs, and outcome and exposure definitions varied. Due to the nature of the study designs, effects could not be attributed to specific intervention components. More research is needed to identify the most effective bundle of warmup activities.

High School Basketball Coach and Player Perspectives on Warm-Up Routines and Lower Extremity Injuries.

BACKGROUND: While participation in sports-related activities results in improved health outcomes, high school athletes are at risk for lower extremity injuries, especially ankle, knee, and thigh injuries. Efforts to promote the adoption and implementation of evidence-driven approaches to reduce injury risk among school-aged athletes are needed. However, there is limited research regarding the perceived barriers, facilitators, and adherence factors that may influence the successful implementation of effective warm-up routines among this population. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews and focus groups to assess high school basketball coach and player current practices, knowledge, and perspectives about warm-ups and lower-extremity injuries (LEIs). We interviewed coaches (n = 12) and players (n = 30) from May to October 2019. Participants were recruited from public high schools in a joint school district in Southern California. Multiple coders employed thematic analysis of the data using validated methods. RESULTS: Coaches and players reported regular engagement (e.g., daily) in warm-up routines, but the time dedicated (range 5-45 min), types of exercises, and order varied substantially. Players often co-lead the warm-up practice with the coach or assistant coach. Despite regular engagement in warm-up, players and coaches report multiple challenges, including (1) limited time and space to warm-up effectively at games, (2) a perception that young players are not prone to injury, (3) competing demands for coaches' time during practice, and (4) coaches' lack of knowledge. Coaches and players perceive that warming up before practice will result in fewer injuries, and many players are motivated to warm up as a result of their personal injury experience; however, they desire guidance on the ideal exercises for preventing injury and training on the proper form for each exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Regular involvement in basketball warm-up routines is common among high school teams, but the methods and time dedicated to these practices varied. Players and coaches are eager for more information on warm-up programs shown to reduce LEIs.

Physical inactivity is associated with a higher risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes: a study in 48 440 adult patients.

OBJECTIVES: To compare hospitalisation rates, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and mortality for patients with COVID-19 who were consistently inactive, doing some activity or consistently meeting physical activity guidelines. METHODS: We identified 48 440 adult patients with a COVID-19 diagnosis from 1 January 2020 to 21 October 2020, with at least three exercise vital sign measurements from 19 March 2018 to 18 March 2020. We linked each patient's self-reported physical activity category (consistently inactive=0-10 min/week, some activity=11-149 min/week, consistently meeting guidelines=150+ min/week) to the risk of hospitalisation, ICU admission and death after COVID-19 diagnosis. We conducted multivariable logistic regression controlling for demographics and known risk factors to assess whether inactivity was associated with COVID-19 outcomes. RESULTS: Patients with COVID-19 who were consistently inactive had a greater risk of hospitalisation (OR 2.26; 95% CI 1.81 to 2.83), admission to the ICU (OR 1.73; 95% CI 1.18 to 2.55) and death (OR 2.49; 95% CI 1.33 to 4.67) due to COVID-19 than patients who were consistently meeting physical activity guidelines. Patients who were consistently inactive also had a greater risk of hospitalisation (OR 1.20; 95% CI 1.10 to 1.32), admission to the ICU (OR 1.10; 95% CI 0.93 to 1.29) and death (OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.60) due to COVID-19 than patients who were doing some physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Consistently meeting physical activity guidelines was strongly associated with a reduced risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes among infected adults. We recommend efforts to promote physical activity be prioritised by public health agencies and incorporated into routine medical care.

Delphi developed syllabus for the medical specialty of sport and exercise medicine: part 2.

Training in the medical specialty of sport and exercise medicine (SEM) is available in many, but not all countries. In 2015, an independent Delphi group, the International Syllabus in Sport and Exercise Medicine Group (ISSEMG), was formed to create a basic syllabus for this medical specialty. The group provided the first part of this syllabus, by identifying 11 domains and a total of 80 general learning areas for the specialty, in December 2017. The next step in this process, and the aim of this paper was to determine the specific learning areas for each of the 80 general learning areas. A group of 26 physicians with a range of primary medical specialty qualifications including, Sport and Exercise Medicine, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Rheumatology and Anaesthetics were invited to participate in a multiple round online Delphi study to develop specific learning areas for each of the previously published general learning areas. All invitees have extensive clinical experience in the broader sports medicine field, and in one or more components of sports medicine governance at national and/or international level. SEM, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Rheumatology and Anaesthetics were invited to participate in a multiple round online Delphi study to develop specific learning areas for each of the previously published general learning areas. All invitees have extensive clinical experience in the broader sports medicine field, and in one or more components of sports medicine governance at national and/or international level. The hierarchical syllabus developed by the ISSEMG provides a useful resource in the planning, development and delivery of specialist training programmes in the medical specialty of SEM.

Exercise Is Medicine.

There is overwhelming evidence in the scientific and medical literature that physical inactivity is a major public health problem with a wide array of harmful effects. Over 50% of health status can be attributed to unhealthy behaviors with smoking, diet, and physical inactivity as the main contributors. Exercise has been used in both the treatment and prevention of a variety of chronic conditions such as heart disease, pulmonary disease, diabetes, and obesity. While the negative effects of physical inactivity are widely known, there is a gap between what physicians tell their patients and exercise compliance. Exercise is Medicine was established in 2007 by the American College of Sports Medicine to inform and educate physicians and other health care providers about exercise as well as bridge the widening gap between health care and health fitness. Physicians have many competing demands at the point of care, which often translates into limited time spent counseling patients. The consistent message from all health care providers to their patients should be to start or to continue a regular exercise program. Exercise is Medicine is a solution that enables physicians to support their patients in implementing exercise as part of their disease prevention and treatment strategies.

Exercise is medicine in oncology: Engaging clinicians to help patients move through cancer.

Multiple organizations around the world have issued evidence-based exercise guidance for patients with cancer and cancer survivors. Recently, the American College of Sports Medicine has updated its exercise guidance for cancer prevention as well as for the prevention and treatment of a variety of cancer health-related outcomes (eg, fatigue, anxiety, depression, function, and quality of life). Despite these guidelines, the majority of people living with and beyond cancer are not regularly physically active. Among the reasons for this is a lack of clarity on the part of those who work in oncology clinical settings of their role in assessing, advising, and referring patients to exercise. The authors propose using the American College of Sports Medicine's Exercise Is Medicine initiative to address this practice gap. The simple proposal is for clinicians to assess, advise, and refer patients to either home-based or community-based exercise or for further evaluation and intervention in outpatient rehabilitation. To do this will require care coordination with appropriate professionals as well as change in the behaviors of clinicians, patients, and those who deliver the rehabilitation and exercise programming. Behavior change is one of many challenges to enacting the proposed practice changes. Other implementation challenges include capacity for triage and referral, the need for a program registry, costs and compensation, and workforce development. In conclusion, there is a call to action for key stakeholders to create the infrastructure and cultural adaptations needed so that all people living with and beyond cancer can be as active as is possible for them.

Telephone-based motivational interviewing versus usual care in primary care to increase physical activity: a randomized pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes and prediabetes are chronic conditions that affect over 40% of the US adult population combined. Regular physical activity can benefit people with diabetes through improved glucose control and can reduce the conversion of prediabetes to diabetes. Studies are needed in settings where people with these conditions can be identified and provided the skills and support to increase physical activity. The primary care setting meets this need, but there are insufficient high-quality trials to recommend this approach be broadly implemented. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, 24-week pilot study in Southern California to assess the feasibility of using information technology systems available in primary care for identifying potential participants, test methods for obtaining physical activity clearance, conducting mail-based assessments, and delivering telephone-based motivational interviewing to increase physical activity. Eligibility criteria included age between 18 and 74 years, diabetes or prediabetes, and physically inactive based on a clinical assessment tool. At baseline and follow-up, physical activity was assessed by a 7-day accelerometry, cardiometabolic risk factors were collected from electronic medical records, and psychosocial factors were assessed from validated questionnaires administered through a mail survey. Participants were block randomized into intervention or usual care. Staff collecting outcome data were blinded to group assignment. Analysis of covariance was used to assess the difference at follow-up between the intervention and usual care, adjusting for baseline. RESULTS: A total of 67 participants were randomized. Follow-up mail assessments were completed by 53 participants. Of 224 potential intervention calls, 194 were completed (87%). Psychosocial measures significantly improved in four of the five factors for physical activity motivation relative to participants in the usual care arm. The more internally focused factors for exercise self-regulation and outcome expectancies scores were significantly greater for participants in intervention compared with usual care. Moderate to vigorous physical activity improved in intervention participants relative to usual care, but the difference was not statistically significant. No adverse events were noted. CONCLUSIONS: The objectives of this pilot study were met. If a fully powered trial is successful, primary care settings with "behind-the-scenes" information technology support may be appropriate to increase physical activity among patients with prediabetes and diabetes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Exercise Promotion in Primary Care (EPPC), NCT03429088, registered on February 5, 2018.