National Physical Activity Policy Research Articles

Progress in physical activity research, policy, and surveillance in Canada: The global observatory for physical activity – GoPA!

BackgroundThe purpose of this paper is to examine the evolution of physical activity research and the comprehensiveness of national physical activity policies and surveillance systems in Canada.MethodsA systematic review was conducted by the Global Observatory for Physical Activity (GoPA! ) on physical activity and health publications between 1950 and 2019. Findings from Canada were extracted and included in the present analysis. The number of articles published, female researcher involvement in authorship, author institution affiliations, and publication themes were examined. Policies were evaluated by determining if there was a standalone physical activity plan and if national guidelines existed. Surveillance systems were assessed for periodicity, instruments used, and age inclusivity.ResultsOut of 23,000 + publications analyzed worldwide; 1,962 included data collected in Canada. Physical activity research in Canada increased considerably from the 2000s to 2010s (543 articles vs. 1,288 articles), but an apparent stabilization has been observed more recently. Most physical activity publications in Canada focused on surveillance (37%), with fewer articles on policy (8%) and interventions (7%). The proportion of female first authors increased from 38% in the 1980s to 60% in the last decade. However, females remain the minority for senior authors. With respect to policy, “A Common Vision” is Canada’s national plan, which has a singular policy focus on physical activity. National surveillance data is collected regularly with both the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) and the Canadian Community Health Survey. In addition to self-report, the CHMS also collects accelerometer data from participants.ConclusionThrough collaborative and coordinated action, Canada remains well equipped to tackle physical inactivity. Continued efforts are needed to enhance sustained awareness of existing physical activity promotion resources to increase physical activity.

Co-producing a new tool to inform policy development in the field of physical activity promotion

Abstract Background While there are several approaches to collect data on physical activity (PA) promotion policies, some governments require more in-depth overviews to inform policy development. Recently, the German Federal Ministry of Health expressed its interest in collecting detailed data on target group specific PA promotion, as relevant competences are distributed across a wide range of political levels and sectors. Methods Based on relevant national and international guidelines, the TARGET:PA tool was co-produced by researchers and ministry officials. It includes (1) PA recommendations, (2) national prevalence rates, (3) recommendations for PA promotion, and data on national (4) routine practices, (5) pilot projects and (6) policies. In a first study, data were collected for children and adolescents in Germany using desk research, semi-structured interviews and secondary data analysis. Results A policy brief was developed. Results showed that 46% of the 3-6-year-olds fulfil WHO recommendations but only 15% of the 11-17-year-olds, and that girls are less active than boys. Currently, no valid surveillance data are available for children under the age of three. An overview of routine practices for PA promotion was compiled, and experts critically assessed their effectiveness, reach and durability. Overall, 339 target group specific projects for PA promotion were found, with 22 classified as examples of good practice. Relevant national PA policies were identified across different sectors and settings. Conclusions The TARGET:PA tool supports the translation of research evidence into policy action as it is target group specific, has a unique focus on routine practices, and systematically identifies policy gaps. Starting in 2023, it will serve as a conceptual basis for the three additional PA policy briefs tendered by the German government. While developed to specifically suit the German context, it has the potential to be adapted to other countries and health behaviours. Key messages • The TARGET:PA tool was co-produced by researchers and government officials to inform policy development in the field of physical activity promotion. • The tool is target group specific, has a unique focus on routine practices, systematically identifies policy gaps, and has the potential to be adapted to other countries and health behaviors.

S4-2 Target group specific policy monitoring for physical activity promotion: development of a new tool in Germany

Abstract Purpose While there are several approaches to collect basic information on physical activity (PA) promotion policies, some governments require more in-depth overviews on the situation in their country. In 2021, the German Federal Ministry of Health expressed its interest in collecting detailed data on target group specific PA promotion, as relevant competences in Germany are distributed across a wide range of political levels and sectors. This study describes a new tool developed to reflect German policymakers’ needs for rapid, adaptable, and target group specific monitoring, with a focus on routine national PA promotion practices. Methods Based on relevant national and international guidelines, a tool was co-produced by researchers and ministry officials. It includes (1) PA recommendations, (2) national prevalence rates, (3) recommendations for PA promotion, and data on national (4) routine practices, (5) pilot projects and (6) policies. In a pilot study, data were collected for children and adolescents in Germany using desk research, semi-structured interviews and secondary data analysis. Results A policy brief and scientific background document were developed. Results showed that 46% of the 4–5-year-olds fulfil WHO recommendations but only 15% of the 11–17-year-olds, and that girls are less active than boys. Currently, no valid data are available on the PA behaviour of 0–3-year-olds in Germany. An overview of routine practices for PA promotion for children and adolescents was compiled, and experts were asked to critically assess their effectiveness, reach and durability. Overall, 339 target group specific projects for PA promotion were found, with 22 classified as examples of good practice. National PA policies for children and adolescents were identified across different sectors and settings. Conclusions The new tool provides an added value for PA policy monitoring as it is target group specific, has a unique focus on routine practices in PA promotion, and systematically identifies policy gaps. Starting in 2023, it will serve as a conceptual basis for the development of three additional PA policy briefs tendered by the German government. While developed to specifically suit the German context, it has the potential to be adapted to other countries.

Physical Activity of Children and Adolescents in Croatia: A Global Matrix 4.0 Systematic Review of Its Prevalence and Associated Personal, Social, Environmental, and Policy Factors.

The previous review of physical activity (PA) among Croatian children and adolescents was conducted a decade ago. Therefore, the aim of this study was to summarize recent evidence on PA of Croatian children and adolescents and associated personal, social, environmental, and policy factors. Eighteen experts reviewed the available evidence and provided ratings (from the lowest grade "F" to the highest grade "A+") for the 10 Global Matrix indicators. A systematic search with 100 keywords was conducted in Hrčak, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science for documents published from January 01, 2012, to April 15, 2022. We also conducted internet searches and secondary analyses of data (relative frequencies) from 6 studies. After assessing 7562 references, we included 90 publications in the review and 18 studies (83.3% of medium-to-good quality) in evidence synthesis. We found a high prevalence of insufficient PA (especially among girls) and excessive screen time (especially among boys). PA participation of children and adolescents in Croatia has declined over time. The following grades were assigned to the indicators for Croatia: B- for overall PA, C- for organized sport and PA, C for active play, C- for active transportation, D+ for sedentary behavior, inconclusive for physical fitness, D+ for family and peers, B- for school, B- for community and environment, and D+ for government. Coordinated actions are needed across sectors to improve PA promotion, with a focus on increasing PA among girls, reducing sedentary screen time among boys, improving parental support for PA, and further development of national PA policies.

S10-4 The Global Observatory for Physical Activity-GoPA! Policy Inventory: preliminary findings and lessons learned

BackgroundInsufficient physical activity (PA) is considered to be one of the main risk factors for premature mortality. Its high prevalence and associated costs for the health care system present a strong incentive for national governments to develop PA policies. There is a lack of recent and mutually comparable data on national PA policies, particularly for low- to middle-income countries. In 2019, the Global Observatory for Physical Activity (GoPA!) has therefore started collecting data on national PA policies globally using the GoPA! Policy Inventory, version 3.0. Our aim is to present the preliminary findings of this data collection and lessons learned during the process.MethodsThe GoPA! Policy Inventory, version 3.0 was distributed to 149 GoPA! Country Contacts, with an option to provide their responses in an online survey or in an interactive Word document. The GoPA! Policy Inventory, version 3.0 includes 20 questions about availability, content, implementation, comprehensiveness, and effectiveness of national PA policies.ResultsData were collected for 24 high-income, 13 upper-middle-income, nine lower-middle-income, and three low-income countries (overall n = 49) from all six WHO regions. A large majority of countries (76%) reported having a national PA policy or plan. Fifty-seven per cent of countries reported having PA recommendations. However, less than a half of the countries (45%) had PA recommendations for each of the following key target groups: children and young people, adults, and older adults. National health surveillance/monitoring system, which includes measures of PA, was available in 78% of countries. Most Country Contacts indicated that the ministries of health, sport, and education had active roles in PA promotion. Quantifiable national targets for PA were established in 43% of countries. The median score for the implementation of policies was 6, for comprehensiveness five, and effectiveness four and a half (out of a maximum score of 10).ConclusionFurther efforts are needed in the development and implementation of comprehensive national PA policies. More countries should establish quantifiable national targets for PA and track progress toward meeting them. Monitoring the effectiveness and implementation of PA policies remains challenging, as countries do not have established systems for their assessment.

S10-3 The Global Observatory for Physical Activity-GoPA! Policy Inventory: Progress and methods

BackgroundIn 2015, GoPA! was launched to monitor progress on Physical Activity (PA) surveillance, policy and research globally. In 2017, the GoPA! started developing a PA Policy Inventory to enable collecting comparable data on PA policy worldwide.MethodsThe instrument was developed in three stages. Stage-1: Critical assessment of the Policy Inventory version 1.0 was based on a review of other policy instruments/frameworks including: Health enhancing physical activity policy audit tool; the monitoring framework from the EU Recommendation on Health-Enhancing Physical Activity Across Sectors; and the Comprehensive Analysis of Policy on Physical Activity framework. Feedback from 14 GoPA! Country Contacts was received in 2017. Additional critical assessment was conducted from February to May 2019, and four PA policy experts drafted the Policy Inventory version 2.0. Stage-2: Open discussions about the Policy Inventory draft took place between May and August 2019 with seven policy experts. Based on the discussions, the draft questionnaire was revised three times to produce the GoPA! Policy Inventory version 2.0. Stage-3: Ten GoPA! Country Contacts provided their feedback on the Inventory version 2.0. The expert team from Stage 2 reviewed the suggestions and incorporated most of them into the GoPA! Policy Inventory version 3.0.ResultsThe GoPA! Policy Inventory version 3.0 contains: (i) a consent form; (ii) three questions about the respondent; and (iii) 20 questions about physical activity and sedentary behaviour policy. It is available in two formats: (i) an online survey in Qualtrics software; and (ii) an interactive Word document. The instrument collects the information related to: (i) national PA plans/policies; (iii) PA policy implementation; (iv) national recommendations on PA; (v) health surveillance or monitoring system that includes measures of PA; (vi) ministries or departments in national governments with an active role in PA promotion; (vii) quantifiable national targets related to PA; and (viii) comprehensiveness and effectiveness of the overall national PA policy.ConclusionsThe instrument will be used to collect policy data for the 2020 GoPA! Country Cards to be launched at ISPAH2020 and, may further be used by PA researchers and policy analysts to monitor, audit, assess, and analyse national PA policies.

S02-3 Physical activity policies and good practices in Europe

BackgroundThe establishment of the EU physical activity (PA) guidelines and the HEPA monitoring framework has had an impact on policy development and implementation across the region from 2015. This works presents results from the third round of monitoring in 2021 and discusses trends since 2015.MethodsA questionnaire was distributed in 2021 to all EU Member States of the WHO European Region through the network of PA Focal Points, who were requested to collect data from national colleagues and complete the questionnaire. All EU Member States (27 in 2021) responded to the survey on the implementation of the 23 indicators of the HEPA monitoring framework.ResultsThe results of the 2021 round of data collection on HEPA indicators showed an overall stabilization of the implementation of PA promotion policies. Besides important increases in several indicators, such as indicators 15 (HEPA in the training of physical education teachers), 20 (Schemes to promote physical activity at the workplace) and 21 (Schemes for community interventions to promote physical activity in older adults), many others decreased and others showed no progress. Most national physical activity policies or action plans were multi-sectoral, with good coverage of the sectors recognized as important for HEPA promotion. While some methodological aspects may have affected the results, this round also reflected policy implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic (2019–2021). COVID-19 has had a significant impact on all sectors of society but especially on health, sports, education and mobility, which are major areas for PA promotion and policy implementation.ConclusionsThere seems to be an overall stabilization of the implementation of PA promotion policies since 2015. Public health experts and decision makers could utilise the increase in public awareness of the health benefits of physical activity kindled by the COVID-19 crisis to implement new health-promoting policies. Policy design, development and implementation of HEPA promotion must be strengthened for post-COVID-19 social and economic recovery.

S10 Developing and Monitoring National Physical Activity Policy: A Global Challenge that Must be Addressed with a Global Response

Abstract Goals Describe the progress of developing and monitoring global physical activity policy from the 1990s through the release and implementation of Global Action Plan for Physical Activity-GAPPA; Present findings of a systematic review of instruments for physical activity policy analysis; Describe the methods and progress after 1-year implementation of the Global Observatory for Physical Activity-GoPA! physical activity policy inventory; Present the preliminary findings and lessons learned after 1-year implementation of the Global Observatory for Physical Activity-GoPA! physical activity policy inventory. Issue/problem Physical inactivity is one of the most important factors contributing to global morbidity and mortality, but despite both importance and the recent launch of a WHO action plan, public health policy around physical activity remains poorly developed and monitored. Description of the problem Physical inactivity accounts for as many as 5 million deaths per year globally but has yet to be addressed effectively by most governments or the World Health Organization(WHO). Many efforts led by WHO, national governments, networks, and academics from the 1990s to the present have tried to turn physical activity into a public health priority. Since its launch in 2015, the Global Observatory for Physical Activity-GoPA! has monitored the progress of national physical activity surveillance, policy and research. The GoPA! Policy Inventory created in 2017, contributes to physical activity policy monitoring and aims to collect data worldwide. Results In this symposium we will address several key questions about physical activity policy by examining different initiatives such as GAPPA and the experience of monitoring policy globally with the GoPA! policy inventory. We will examine whether it is feasible to track physical activity policy at the global and country levels, if the existence of ?good? physical activity policy is associated with less physical inactivity and how policy indicators may be used for advocacy and guidance in the coming years. Lessons Findings show that PA policy monitoring has and still varies substantially by geographic area and country income group. Effectiveness and implementation of PA policies remains challenging worldwide. PA policy indicators can enhance understanding of the links between policy and population levels of PA. Main messages GoPA! is committed to continue improving PA policy monitoring for informing and encouraging policy to address physical inactivity worldwide. Agenda and Presenters Introduction: Michael Pratt (10-minutes) Talk 1: Developing and monitoring physical activity policy: 1990 to today – Michael Pratt (15-minutes) Talk 2: Instruments for the analysis of national-level physical activity and sedentary behaviour policies: a systematic review – Željko Pedišić (15-minutes) Talk 3: The GoPA! Policy Inventory: Progress and methods - Andrea Ramirez (15-minutes) Talk 4: The GoPA! Policy Inventory: preliminary findings and lessons learned – Željko Pedišić (15-minutes) Q&A from the audience Conclusion by discussant Adrian Bauman (20-minutes)

Health Enhancing Physical Activity Policies in Poland: Findings from the HEPA PAT Survey.

Insufficient physical activity (PA) is one of major risk factors for serious diseases and premature mortality worldwide. Public policies to enhance PA across society are recognized as an effective tool against the problem. This paper presents the results of a comprehensive assessment of national-level PA policy approach in Poland. A standardized survey of Word Health Organization named the Health-Enhancing Physical Activity Policy Audit Tool (HEPA PAT) was used for data collection. Content analysis and strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analysis (SWOT) were used to characterize various PA policy aspects, to appraise the current situation, and accommodate organizational and environmental factors that it is influenced by. The results show that the national PA policy approach has been constantly developing in Poland, but there is room for improvement in a number of areas. The most important weaknesses are the lack of clear leadership, no mechanisms in place to coordinate efforts undertaken at different levels, and lack of collaboration across different levels of government and across different sectors of economy. Providing an umbrella covering all PA promotion policies and activities is, therefore, a key issue to be addressed. The country should seize the opportunity coming from an increasing awareness of a healthy lifestyle among Polish society.

A Critique of National Physical Activity Policy in Oman Using 3 Established Policy Frameworks.

This paper aimed to assess the development process, content, and early implementation of Oman's national physical activity plan of action to identify strengths and areas for improvement. Data were extracted from 4 documents: national noncommunicable diseases policy, physical activity plan of action, and 2 World Health Organization Mission Reports. Three policy frameworks and approaches (physical activity content analysis grid, health-enhancing physical activity policy audit tool, and policy cube approach for diet-related noncommunicable diseases) were used. The findings demonstrated that policymakers engaged a broad range of sectors in developing a national plan. It aligned with many of the elements from the 3 policy frameworks (ie,multisectoral approach, political commitment/leadership, identification of national goals and targets, time frame for implementation). The main gaps included the lack of a specified sustainable funding mechanism, systems for monitoring progress, and an emphasis on general interventions, with limited focus on specific target groups. A range of sectors were engaged in the development of Oman's national physical activity plan of action, with strong political commitment and using global guidance and local evidence. Establishing a strong accountability framework, including a clear financing mechanism, is critical for Oman to meet its target for a 10% relative reduction in physical inactivity by 2025.

‘I like it’: Exploring teachers' motivation for using classroom-based physical activity in Danish public schools from a self-determination perspective. Results from a mixed methods study

In the context of a national physical activity policy, this study explores Danish school teachers' motivation for using classroom-based physical activity. Through a mixed methods approach, the study reveals a number of key motivational drivers such as supporting teachers’ autonomy, competence and collaboration. Reversely, the study also reveals barriers for integrating physical activity, such as a lack of time, lack of support and lack of appropriate training. Teachers are important facilitators in the integration of daily physical activity. However, work still needs to be done in order to support teachers to integrate physical activity into teaching routines effectively and successfully.

The added value of using the HEPA PAT for physical activity policy monitoring: a four-country comparison

BackgroundPublic policy is increasingly recognized as an important component of physical activity promotion. This paper reports on the current status of physical activity policy development and implementation in four European countries based on the Health-Enhancing Physical Activity Policy Audit Tool (HEPA PAT) developed by WHO. It compares the findings to previous studies and discusses the general utility of this tool and its unique features in relation to other instruments.MethodsThe study was conducted as part of the Policy Evaluation Network (www.jpi-pen.eu) in Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and Poland. Data collection built upon information obtained via the EU Physical Activity Monitoring Framework survey, additional desk research and expert opinion. Data analysis employed Howlett’s policy cycle framework to map and compare national physical activity policies in the four countries.ResultsIn all countries under study, policy agenda-setting is influenced by prevalence data from national health monitoring systems, and the sport and/or health sector takes the lead in policy formulation. Key policy documents were located mainly in the health sector but also in sport, urban design and transport. Physical activity programmes implemented to meet policy objectives usually cover a broad range of target groups, but currently only a small selection of major policies are evaluated for effectiveness. National experts made several suggestions to other countries wishing to establish physical activity policies, e.g. regarding cross-sectoral support and coordination, comprehensive national action plans, and monitoring/surveillance.ConclusionsThis study provides a detailed overview of physical activity policies in the four countries. Results show that national governments are already very active in the field but that there is room for improvement in a number of areas, e.g. regarding the contribution of sectors beyond sport and health. Using the HEPA PAT simultaneously in four countries also showed that procedures and timelines have to be adapted to national contexts. Overall, the instrument can make an important contribution to understanding and informing physical activity policy, especially when used as an add-on to regular monitoring tools like the EU HEPA Monitoring Framework.

Challenges, opportunities and solutions for local physical activity stakeholders: an implementation case study from a cross-sectoral physical activity network in Northeast England

BackgroundIncreasingly, national policy initiatives and programmes have been developed to increase physical activity (PA). However, challenges in implementing and translating these policies into effective local-level programmes have persisted, and change in population PA levels has been small. This may be due to insufficient attention given to the implementation context, and the limited interactions between local policy-makers, practitioners and researchers. In this paper we use a case study of a cross-sectoral network in Northeast England, to identify the local-level challenges and opportunities for implementing PA policies and programmes, particularly the updated 2019 UK PA guidelines.MethodsFive focus groups (n = 59) were conducted with practice partners, local policy-makers and researchers during an initial workshop in April 2018. Through facilitated discussion, participants considered regional priorities for research and practice, along with barriers to implementing this agenda and how these may be overcome. During a second workshop in December 2018, overarching findings from workshop one were fedback to a similar group of stakeholders, along with national policy-makers, to stimulate feedback from delegates on experiences that may support the implementation of the UK PA guidelines locally, focusing on specific considerations for research, evidence and knowledge exchange.ResultsIn workshop one, three overarching themes were developed to capture local challenges and needs: (i) understanding complexity and context; (ii) addressing the knowledge and skills gap; and (iii) mismatched timescales and practices. In workshop two, participants’ implementation plans encompassed: (i) exploring a systems approach to implementation; (ii) adapting policy to context; and (iii) local prioritising.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that academics, practitioners and policy-makers understand the complexities of implementing PA strategies, and the challenges of knowledge exchange. The updated UK PA guidelines policy presented an opportunity for multiple agencies to consider context-specific implementation and address enduring tensions between stakeholders. An organically derived implementation plan that prioritises PA, maps links to relevant local policies and supports a context-appropriate communication strategy, within local policy, practice and research networks, will help address these. We present 10 guiding principles to support transferable knowledge exchange activities within networks to facilitate implementation of national PA policy in local contexts.

Barriers to Implementation of Physical Activity in Danish Public Schools

Purpose: In 2014, the Danish Government introduced a new public school reform, which included implementation of 45 min of daily physical activity (PA) within the academic classroom curriculum. The purpose of the present study was to explore school staff’s perceived barriers to implementation of a national PA policy. Method: A mixed-methods approach using a questionnaire and semistructured interviews was conducted. A total of 198 teachers and 26 school management team members (principals, deputy principals, and leading teachers) from 31 schools completed a questionnaire, and 11 school management team members were interviewed. The socioecological model was used as a theoretical framework to examine the results. Results: A total of 15 different barriers were identified and reflected within all levels of the socioecological model. Facilities, motivation, and time were the most prominent barriers identified. Conclusion: Development and deployment of a national PA policy needs to be done in cooperation with consumers from all levels within the socioecological model to ensure successful implementation.

A critical review of national physical activity policies relating to children and young people in England

BackgroundThere has been an increasing focus on the importance of national policy to address population levels of physical inactivity. It has been suggested that the 4 cornerstones of policy comprise (1) national guidelines on physical activity (PA), (2) setting population goals and targets, (3) surveillance or health-monitoring systems, and (4) public education. The current study aimed to review the policy actions that have addressed each of these elements for children and youth in England and to identify areas of progress and remaining challenges. MethodsA literature search was undertaken to identify past and present documents relevant to PA policy for children and youth in England. Each document was analyzed to identify content relevant to the 4 cornerstones of policy. ResultsPhysical activity guidelines (Cornerstone 1) for children and youth have been in place since 1998 and reviewed periodically. Physical activity targets (Cornerstone 2) have focussed on the provision of opportunities for PA, mainly through physical education in schools rather than in relation to the proportion of children meeting recommended PA levels. There has been much surveillance (Cornerstone 3) of children's PA, but this has been undertaken infrequently over time and with varying inclusions of differing domains of activity. There has been only 1 campaign (Cornerstone 4) that targeted children and their intermediaries, Change4Life, which was an obesity campaign focussing on dietary behavior in combination with PA. Most recently, a government infographic supporting the PA guidelines for children and young people was developed, but details of its dissemination and usage are unknown. ConclusionThere have been many developments in national PA policy in England targeted to children and young people. The area of most significant progress is national PA guidelines. Establishing prevalence targets, streamlining surveillance systems, and investing in public education with supportive policies, environments, and opportunities would strengthen national policy efforts to increase PA and reduce sedentary behavior.

Whole of Systems Approaches to Physical Activity Policy and Practice in Australia: The ASAPa Project Overview and Initial Systems Map.

The literature on whole of system approaches (WSAs) has been largely theoretical in focus. The Australian Systems Approaches to Physical Activity is a national project designed to contribute a practical implementation focus to such approaches at the population level. National meetings were convened with federal and state government sector stakeholders to identify physical activity (PA) related policies and programs. Policies and programs were audited to develop an understanding of the existing PA system. A WSA conceptual map for PA was developed using feedback from system stakeholders, existing WSAs, and related work in obesity. Completion of the policy audit has revealed key areas of need regarding policy governance, coordination, financing, and evaluation. An initial WSA conceptual map for Australia has been developed incorporating governance, translation, and advocacy. Stakeholder co-production of an integrated framework for PA and design plans for a community of practice knowledge hub has commenced. In Australia, Australian Systems Approaches to Physical Activity project partners have developed a conceptual whole of systems map that is guiding progress beyond the theoretical to application in the real world: a national PA policy audit, co-production of an integrated PA policy framework, and planning for a PA community of practice knowledge hub.

Toward Whole-of-System Action to Promote Physical Activity: A Cross-Sectoral Analysis of Physical Activity Policy in Australia.

The value of a systems thinking approach to tackling population physical inactivity is increasingly recognized. This study used conceptual systems thinking to develop a cognitive map for physical activity (PA) influences and intervention points, which informed a standardized approach to the coding and notation of PA-related policies in Australia. Policies were identified through desktop searches and input from 33 nominated government representatives attending 2 national PA policy workshops. Documents were audited using predefined criteria spanning policy development, strategic approaches to PA, implementation processes, and evaluation. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The audit included 110 policies, mainly led by the health or planning/infrastructure sectors (n = 54, 49%). Most policies purporting to promote PA did so as a cobenefit of another objective that was not focused on PA (n = 63, 57%). An intention to monitor progress was indicated in most (n = 94, 85%); however, fewer than half (n = 52, 47%) contained evaluable goals/actions relevant to PA. Descriptions of resourcing/funding arrangements were generally absent or lacked specific commitment (n = 67, 61%). This study describes current PA-relevant policy in Australia and identifies opportunities for improving coordination, implementation, and evaluation to strengthen a whole-of-system and cross-agency approach to increasing population PA.

A critical analysis of the cycles of physical activity policy in England.

BackgroundThere has been increasing focus on the importance of national policy to address population levels of physical inactivity. Components of a comprehensive national physical activity policy framework include: 1) national recommendations on physical activity levels; 2) setting population goals and targets; 3) surveillance or health monitoring systems; and 4) public education. The aim of the current paper was to analyse the policy actions which have addressed each of these elements in England and to identify areas of progress and remaining challenges.MethodsA literature search was undertaken to identify past and present documents relevant to physical activity policy in England. Each document was analysed to identify content relevant to the four key elements of policy which formed the focus of the current research.ResultsPhysical activity recommendations are an area where England has demonstrated a robust scientific approach and good practice; however, the physical activity campaigns in England have not been sufficiently sustained to achieve changes in social norms and behaviour. The setting of physical activity targets has been unrealistic and continuous changes to national surveillance measures have presented challenges for monitoring trends over time.ConclusionsOverall, physical activity policy in England has fluctuated over the past two decades. The variations and cycles in policy reflect some of the challenges in implementing and sustaining physical activity policy in the face of political changes, changes in government direction, and changing opportunities to profile active lifestyles.

만성질환 예방·관리를 위한 적정 신체활동 및 활성화 방안

Objectives: To provide basic data needed to develop national physical activity policy, this study was examined to identify the relationship among physical inactivity, physical activity, and chronic diseases. Methods: I have reviewed articles and research reports in relation to physical activity, health, and chronic disease published in national and international since 2005 through PubMed, RISS, and KISS. Results: physical activity should be the priority of public health for the prevention and management of chronic diseases as following reasons. 1) Prevalence of physical inactivity has been continuously increased. 2) There were strong evidences that sufficient physical activity could prevent and treat dozens of chronic diseases. Conclusions: Both central and local governments need to make the amount of physical activity to be increased by providing information and establishing a physical activity-friendly environment. Also, the local public health centers and the primary medical institutions are institutionally needed to counsel and prescribe every patient's exercise program at every visit.

Evolution and Devolution of National Physical Activity Policy in Canada

Low levels of physical activity (PA) and fitness have long been a government concern in Canada; however, more than half of adults are inactive. This article examines factors influencing policy development and implementation using Canadian PA policy as a case study. Current and historical PA policy documents were amassed from a literature review, audit of government and non government websites and from requests to government officials in each jurisdiction directly responsible for PA. These were analyzed to determine policy content, results, barriers, and success factors. The national focus for PA policy in Canada has devolved to a multilevel system that meets most established criteria for successful strategies. Earlier PA targets have been met; however, the prevalence of PA decreased from 2005 to 2007. Annual per capita savings in health care associated with achieving the earlier target is estimated at $6.15 per capita, yet a fraction of that is directed to promoting PA. Evidenced-based strategies that address multiple policy agendas using sector-specific approaches are needed. Sustained high-level commitment is required; advocacy grounded in metrics and science is needed to increase the profile of the issue and increase the commitments to PA policies in Canada and internationally.