Table 2 Linear relationship between Godin exercise scores and lifestyle counseling attitudes and practices
QUESTION OR STATEMENTN (%)MEDIAN GODIN EXERCISE SCORE*P VALUE
With a typical general medicine patient, how often do you actually talk about exercise?.225
 • Never or rarely27 (8.2)51
 • Sometimes215 (65.0)46
 • Usually or always89 (26.9)56
How relevant do you think talking to patients about exercise will be in your intended practice?.067
 • Not at all15 (3.3)34
 • Somewhat124 (27.4)44
 • Highly314 (69.3)51
In order to effectively encourage patient adherence to a healthy lifestyle, a physician must adhere to one himself or herself.001
 • Strongly agree103 (25.3)54
 • Agree244 (60.0)48
 • Neither agree nor disagree39 (9.6)39
 • Disagree20 (4.9)43
 • Strongly disagree1 (0.2)3
I will be able to provide more credible and effective counseling if I eat a healthy diet< .001
 • Strongly agree128 (29.2)54
 • Agree273 (62.2)45
 • Neither agree nor disagree26 (5.9)58
 • Disagree11 (2.5)34
 • Strongly disagree1 (0.2)3
I will be able to provide more credible and effective counseling if I exercise and stay fit< .001
 • Strongly agree151 (34.2)53
 • Agree266 (60.2)45
 • Neither agree nor disagree17 (3.8)28
 • Disagree7 (1.6)34
 • Strongly disagree1 (0.2)3
I will be able to provide more credible and effective counseling if I maintain a healthy weight.03
 • Strongly agree160 (36.3)53
 • Agree255 (57.8)45
 • Neither agree nor disagree18 (4.1)48
 • Disagree7 (1.6)41
 • Strongly disagree1 (0.2)3

  • ↵* Godin exercise scores were generated based on the frequency and intensity of exercise bouts lasting longer than 15 minutes using the following equation: (9 × no. of strenuous bouts) + (5 × no. of moderate-intensity bouts) + (3 × no. of light-intensity bouts). Higher scores therefore correspond to higher levels of activity.