Assessment Of International Centers For Physical Activity Research And Practice

Abstract

The mission of the CDC/WHO Collaborating Center for Physical Activity and Health Promotion is to understand and promote physical activity (PA) to enhance health and quality of life worldwide. Currently, there is no comprehensive directory of worldwide institutions with similar objectives. The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health was endorsed in May 2004; the document encourages policy development and implementation, and supports research regarding diet and PA. PURPOSE To identify and describe the scope of work of international centers for PA research and practice that could potentially play a role in the implementation of the WHO Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health. METHODS A center for PA research and practice must 1) be an institution, 2) have PA and public health as its major focus, 3) have produced at least 2 peer reviewed scientific publications since 2000 and 4) have a research component and a programmatic and/or policy component. Centers were identified through a literature search, CDC/WHO Collaborating Center contacts, and respondents. The survey was developed to collect descriptive information and scope of work. The survey was distributed via email and two reminder emails were sent to non-responders. RESULTS Surveys were sent to 347 centers; 51 were undeliverable, 151 did not respond, 29 did not meet the criteria, and 116 meet the criteria. This is an overall response rate of 42%. The centers represent 33 countries and are located in North America (41%), Europe (31%), Asia (9%), Oceania (8%), South America (7%), Middle East (4%), and Africa (1%). 26% are governmental, 62% are non-governmental, and 12% are both governmental and academic institutions. More than half of the centers report having behavioral scientists, statisticians, program directors, exercise physiologists, epidemiologists, physicians, health educators, and research and administrative assistants on their staff. 81 % of centers are familiar with the WHO Global Strategy and 83% are willing to assist with its implementation. CONCLUSION 116 international centers for PA research and practice were assessed. Their work encompasses a variety of research and practice activities and a majority is willing to assist with the implementation of the WHO Global Strategy. The large percentages of awareness and willingness to assist with the WHO Global Strategy will have positive implications for the future work of the CDC/WHO Collaborating Center and the promotion of physical activity worldwide.