Evaluating the Science for Physical Activity Policy

Abstract

The 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee (PAGAC) will provide independent recommendations based on current scientific evidence to aid the federal government in the development of the second edition of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (PAG). PURPOSE: To describe the analytic frameworks and systematic literature reviews used by the PAGAC to evaluate the science and develop evidence-based conclusions and recommendations for its Advisory Committee Scientific Report (Report). METHODS: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) contracted a systematic literature review to evaluate and synthesize published, peer-reviewed physical activity literature. The approach is designed to maximize transparency, minimize bias, and ensure systematic reviews are relevant, timely, and high quality. The PAGAC’s first task was to develop and prioritize research questions. The highest priority questions were those with potential for the greatest public health impact (Table 1). Each question will be evaluated using de novo systematic reviews, high-quality existing systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and reports, or a combination of approaches. RESULTS: The output from the literature review is an evidence portfolio summarizing the findings for each question. The Committee will grade each question as strong, moderate, limited, or grade not assignable. During a series of public meetings, subcommittees will review and deliberate on their conclusions, implications, and research recommendations in order to come to consensus. Analytic frameworks and search strategies for initial questions and information discussed during the first three public meetings will be presented. CONCLUSIONS: HHS will use the Report, along with agency and public comments, to develop the second edition of the PAG. This edition will provide updated science-based advice on how physical activity can help promote health and reduce the risk of chronic disease.Table 1: PAGAC Subcommittees and Priority Areas