Background and Methodology of the Development of German Physical Activity Guidelines

Abstract

This paper describes the process used to develop the physical activity guidelines for German children and adolescents (0-17 years), adults (18-64 years), older adults ≥65 years and adults with chronic diseases. The German physical activity guidelines were developed by an interdisciplinary working group based on existing guidelines using a 3-phased process. Phase 1: Systematic literature searches for current physical activity guidelines; expert consultation-based development of quality criteria. Phase 2: Evaluation of physical activity guidelines based on the quality criteria; identification and content analysis of high-quality guidelines. Phase 3: Synthesis of content analysis and deduction of German physical activity guidelines. Expert consultation generated 28 quality criteria classified into the 4 domains "A: scope and purpose" (3 items), "B: rigour of development" (10 items), "C: clarity and comprehensiveness of content" (12 items), "D: arrangement and presentation" (3 Items). We identified 66 guidelines scoring ≥60% of the possible rating points in domain A and B as high-quality "source-guidelines" (children and adolescents n=4, adults=16, older adults n=9, 7 chronic diseases n=37). Source-guidelines constitute the database for the development of the German physical activity guidelines. The national physical activity guidelines for children and adolescents, adults, older adults and persons with chronic diseases serve as an evidence-based and quality-controlled basis for physical activity promotion in Germany.