Figure 1:

State Transition Diagram

Caption: The health states are represented by ovals and include “disease-free, increase exercise,” “disease-free, no change in exercise,” “disease recurrence,” and “death.” Arrows represent possible transitions from one health state to another. Patients in the “disease-free” health state may experience a health utility benefit related to exercise if they increase their physical activity/exercise. Patients in the “disease recurrence” health state are assumed to not exercise. Patients who increase their exercise are subjected to a chance of stopping exercise after each year.

LIFE = Lifestyle Interventions and Independence for Elders study