Physical Activity Policies Research Articles

Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Development of Gross Motor Skills in 5-7-Year-Old Children

Background: Obesity in children and adolescents in the 21st century has become a major issue in the global health field. Previous studies showed that obese children have substantial adverse short- and long-term health consequences, including asthma, chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, diabetes, and numerous orthopedic complications. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the development of gross motor skills in 5-7-year-old children. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on children 5 - 7 years old in Bojnourd, Iran. The sampling method was multistage. A checklist containing the demographic data and BMI of participants was completed. Ulrich’s test of gross motor development (3rd edition) was also used to assess gross motor skills in children. Results: The age range of participants was 5 - 7 years. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of the participants’ age was 6.24 ± 0.82 years. Furthermore, the participants’ mean ± SD weight was 24.8 ± 3.68 g (range: 17.5 - 32.2 g). There was a significant statistical difference in gross motor skills scores in the three groups of obese, overweight, and optimal weight (P < 0.0001). There was also a significant difference in gross motor skills scores between the two gender groups (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Higher weight groups had lower motor skills scores. Therefore, it is necessary to adopt appropriate policies for physical activity and to reduce the prevalence of obesity and overweight in children.

Children's physical activity and sedentary behaviour in before school care: An observational study

ObjectiveIn Australia, less than one quarter of children aged 5–12 years meet national physical activity (PA) guidelines. Before school care operates as part of Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) services and provide opportunities for children to meet their daily PA recommendations. The aim of this study was to explore factors associated with children meeting 15 min of moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) while attending before school care. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in 25 services in New South Wales, Australia. Each service was visited twice between March and June 2021. Staff behaviours and PA type and context were captured using staff interviews and the validated System for Observing Staff Promotion of Physical Activity and Nutrition (SOSPAN) time sampling tool. Child PA data were collected using Actigraph accelerometers and associations between program practices and child MVPA analysed. ResultsPA data were analysed for 654 children who spent an average of 39.2% (±17.6) of their time sedentary; 45.4% (±11.4) in light PA; and 14.9% (±11.7) in MVPA. Only 17% of children (n = 112) reached ≥15 min MVPA, with boys more likely to achieve this. Children were more likely to meet this recommendation in services where staff promoted and engaged in PA; PA equipment was available; children were observed in child-led free play; and a written PA policy existed. ConclusionsBefore school care should be supported to improve physical activity promotion practices by offering staff professional development and guidance on PA policy development and implementation practices.

Investigating policy enactment in community sport coaching: directions for future research

ABSTRACTThis article calls for a sophisticated investigation of policy enactment in sport-related environments, with community sport coaching used as an example case. Emphasis is placed on the need for in-depth empirical research into and theorisation of: 1) political skills involved in the enactment of policy; 2) emotion management when enacting policy; 3) performative and fabricated aspects of policy enactment; and 4) impacts of policy enactment for the health and wellbeing of workers. In doing so, this article challenges scholars to move beyond the study of policy actor types and to develop more nuanced understandings of the political, economic, organisational, interpersonal, and intrapersonal forces influencing those involved in policy enactment. It is hoped that this article will encourage original and high-quality research into how sport, physical activity, and physical education policies are enacted by its workforce and provide a stimulus for professional learning about policy work across sporting communities.

Shaping Policy and Practice: Analyzing the Reach of Highly Cited and High Altmetrics Publications for Broader Impact on Physical Activity.

A significant gap remains between the availability of physical activity (PA) evidence-based interventions and their application in real-world settings in policy and practice areas. This study aims to describe highly cited and high altmetrics publications in PA research and explore their impact on PA policy and practice. Mixed-methods sequential explanatory study including the identification and description of the top highly cited and high altmetrics PA publications from the last 10years (including study design, population, type of PA study, number of citations, and altmetrics score), and interviews with key informants regarding research dissemination and implications on PA policy and practice. When considering publication type, the most frequent highly cited publications were health consequences (40%, altmetrics = 42%), measurement/trends (23%, altmetrics = 10%), and correlates/determinants (21%, altmetrics = 26%) studies. They were predominantly cross-sectional (50%, altmetrics = 28%), systematic reviews (38%, altmetrics = 18%), and longitudinal studies (8%, altmetrics = 37%). All authors who participated in the interviews agreed that the most important factors in disseminating findings and influencing PA policy and practice were the published peer-reviewed manuscript itself, the reputation of the journal, the communication strategy, and the use of online platforms. To have a real-world influence on PA policy and practice, it is not enough to publish the results in scientific journals and participate in media outreach. To successfully involve policymakers and communities in appropriating the evidence and evaluating the extent to which these findings affect policy and practice outcomes, it is critical to lead co-creation, co-dissemination, advocacy, and capacity building efforts.

Contextual Factors Influencing the Adoption of Physical Activity Direct Education and Policy, Systems, and Environmental Change Initiatives by Virginia EFNEP and SNAP-Ed Staff

ObjectiveTo explore factors influencing the adoption of direct education programs and policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) change initiatives focused on physical activity for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-eligible audiences by Virginia Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) staff. MethodsOnline survey with Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program and SNAP-Ed peer (paraprofessional) educators (n = 28) and SNAP-Ed agents (master of science level) (n = 9) in Virginia. Descriptive statistics were computed for sociodemographic characteristics and responses to questions on the basis of Likert-type scales. Exploratory factor analyses were run to identify the underlying structures of the different variables. ResultsThe main factors for peer educators were related to substituting nutrition programs or content for physical activity programs. Other factors included staff qualifications and expectations about leading vs teaching physical activities. For PSEs, the top factors were the capacity to reach many community members, attract new partners and stakeholders, and personal interest in the PSE. Conclusions and ImplicationsThe results provide insight into potential barriers and motivators for adopting physical activity education and PSEs within community-based initiatives and can be used to inform program planning and staff training. Additional research is warranted to examine other factors influencing the adoption and implementation of physical activity programs and PSEs.

Research- vs. government-driven physical activity policy monitoring: a systematic review across different levels of government

BackgroundEven though the importance of physical activity policy monitoring has increased in the last decade, there is a lack of understanding what different approaches exist and which methodology they employ. In order to address this research gap, this review attempts to map existing approaches of physical activity policy monitoring and to analyse methodological aspects, especially with regards to the roles of governments and researchers.MethodsA systematic search was conducted in five scientific databases (PubMed, Scopus, SportDiscus, Psycinfo, Web of Knowledge) in July 2021, and the identified records were screened independently by two reviewers. Records were included if they (a) focused on the monitoring of public policies to promote PA, (b) allowed to compare policies across time, across nations/regions or across policy sectors, and (c) were written in English, German or Russian. During full text analysis, information on methodological aspects was extracted and studies were categorized based on the level of government involvement.ResultsThe search yielded in a total of 112 studies. 86 of these studies (76.8%) followed a research-driven approach (little or no government involvement) while only two studies (1.8%) were based on a government-driven approach (led by governments). The remaining 24 studies (21.4%) were based on a co-production approach (strong collaboration between researchers and governments). All in all, 18 different tools for physical activity policy monitoring were identified; key examples are the Report Cards on Physical Activity for Children and Youth (research-driven approach), the HEPA Monitoring Framework (government-driven approach) and the HEPA Policy Audit Tool (co-production approach).ConclusionsThe level of government involvement in policy monitoring differs significantly, and research-driven, government-driven and co-production approaches can be distinguished. These approaches have different strengths and weaknesses, and can be linked to distinct theories of change and models on research-policy relations. Increasing awareness on the implications of these approaches is key to improve the understanding and further development of physical activity policy monitoring.

Organizational readiness and implementation fidelity of an early childhood education and care-specific physical activity policy intervention: findings from the Play Active trial.

Many children do not accumulate sufficient physical activity for good health and development at early childhood education and care (ECEC). This study examined the association between ECEC organizational readiness and implementation fidelity of an ECEC-specific physical activity policy intervention. Play Active aimed to improve the ECEC educator's physical activity practices. We investigated the implementation of Play Active using a Type 1 hybrid study (January 2021-March 2022). Associations between organizational readiness factors and service-level implementation fidelity were examined using linear regressions. Fidelity data were collected from project records, educator surveys and website analytics. ECEC services with higher levels of organizational commitment and capacity at pre-implementation reported higher fidelity scores compared to services with lower organizational commitment and capacity (all Ps<0.05). Similarly, services who perceived intervention acceptability and appropriateness at pre-implementation to be high had higher fidelity scores (P<0.05). Perceived feasibility and organizational efficacy of Play Active were associated with higher but nonsignificant fidelity scores. Results indicate that organizational readiness factors may influence the implementation of ECEC-specific physical activity policy interventions. Therefore, strategies to improve organizational readiness should be developed and tested. These findings warrant confirmation in the ECEC and other settings and with other health behavior interventions.

Matching barriers and facilitators to implementation strategies: recommendations for community settings

BackgroundImplementation science aims to improve the integration of evidence-based interventions in real-world settings. While its methods and models could potentially apply to any field with evidence-based interventions, most research thus far has originated in clinical settings. Community settings often have fewer resources, missions beyond health, and a lack of support and expertise to implement evidence-based interventions when compared to many clinical settings. Thus, selecting and tailoring implementation strategies in community settings is particularly challenging, as existing compilations are primarily operationalized through clinical setting terminology. In this debate, we (1) share the process of using an existing match tool to select implementation strategies to increase uptake of nutrition and physical activity policy, systems, and environment interventions in community settings and (2) discuss the challenges of this process to argue that selecting implementation strategies in community settings has limited transferability from clinical settings and may require a unique implementation strategy compilation and pragmatic matching tool.Matching barriers to implementation strategiesThe impetus for this debate paper came from our work selecting implementation strategies to improve the implementation and eventual scaling of nutrition and physical activity policy, systems, and environment interventions in a community settings. We conducted focus groups with practitioners and used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research-Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change match tool to select potential implementation strategies to overcome prominent barriers. There was limited congruence between tool outputs and optimal strategies, which may in part be due to differences in context between clinical and community settings. Based on this, we outline needs and recommendations for developing a novel and pragmatic matching tool for researchers and practitioners in community settings.ConclusionsMore work is needed to refine the implementation barrier-strategy matching process to ensure it is relevant, rapid, and rigorous. As leading implementation strategy scholars note, as more researchers document contextual factors and strategies selected to address them, the knowledge base will increase, and refined mapping processes can emerge.

&iexcl;Miranos! An 8-Month Comprehensive Preschool Obesity Prevention Program in Low-Income Latino Children: Effects on Children's Gross Motor Development.

Organized childcare is an ideal setting to promote gross motor development in young children from low-income minority families. A three-group clustered randomized controlled trial was conducted in Head Start centers serving low-income Latino children to evaluate the impact of an 8-month comprehensive obesity-prevention intervention on children's percentile scores for locomotive skills (LS pctl) and ball skills (BS pctl), and general motor quotient (GMQ). Trained Head Start staff delivered the center-based intervention (CBI) to modify center physical activity and nutrition policies, staff practices, and child behaviors, while the home-based intervention (HBI) offered training and support to parents for obesity prevention at home. Participants were 3-year-old children (n = 310; 87% Latino; 58% female) enrolled in Head Start centers in South Texas. Twelve centers were randomized (1:1:1 ratio) to receive CBI, CBI and HBI (CBI + HBI), or control treatment. Posttest data were collected from 79.1% of participants. All gross motor development measures improved significantly for children in CBI compared to the control, while children in CBI + HBI only showed improvement for GMQ (p = 0.09) and LS pctl (p < 0.001) compared to the control. A comprehensive and culturally competent intervention targeting childcare centers and children's homes was effective at improving children's gross motor development and reducing disparities in child development.

Development of a Physical Activity Environment Policy Index (PA-EPI) composite implementation score

Abstract Background To promote physical activity (PA), it is necessary to look beyond specific interventions to upstream policies formulated across multiple sectors. The Physical Activity Environment Policy Index (PA-EPI) tool consists of 45 indicators for assessing the extent of policy implementation by national government. Combining measures from different indicators into a single composite measure of policy implementation is complex, but can facilitate cross country policy comparison and communication of policy implementation status to stakeholders. This study describes how a composite measure can be constructed. Methods To create a composite measure two methods were necessary. Firstly, international experts (N = 73, 20 countries) with knowledge of PA policy independently rated the importance of the 45 indicators for increasing population levels of PA on a 10-point Likert scale. A formula was utilised to convert these ratings into weightings for each indicator. Secondly, these weightings were combined with real PA-EPI implementation data. Data from the first study to use the PA-EPI tool, in the Republic of Ireland, was used to demonstrate how a composite implementation score can be calculated. This composite score was expressed as a percentage of a perfect implementation score Results Indicator weightings ranged from 2.7 (highest importance) to 0.8 (lowest importance). Implementation data on indicators ranged from 0.75 to 0.25. The formula used to calculate weightings for each indicator was ωi = (x¯i-∑x¯n)+2. The formula used to derive a composite implementation score was C=∑(ωi×fi) + (ωj×fj)...(ωn×fn). A composite rating implementation score of 59% was calculated for the Republic of Ireland. Conclusions This study demonstrates how data from 45 indicators can be combined. Transnational comparisons are important as they reveal countries at the forefront of PA policy implementation in domains known to be effective for increasing population levels of PA. Key messages • Researchers can use the methods described as part of a process for assessing the extent of implementation of the physical activity policy using the PA-EPI. • By calculating a composite physical activity policy implementation score, researchers can facilitate transnational PA policy comparisons.

7.F. Workshop: Local physical activity policy evaluation: state of the art, tools and methods and future directions

Abstract Insufficient physical activity (PA) is one of the most significant risk factors for chronic diseases and premature mortality worldwide. Public policies are recognized as upstream factors providing system change beyond individual changes. Policies have been recognised as an effective way to increase population PA levels, as they support the development of evidence-based interventions and programs in different domains, that help create a ‘healthy’ PA environment and enhanced PA opportunities. Previous studies have shown an important impact of PA promotion policies at local level (municipalities), but insufficient research and tool development has been realised on PA policies beyond national level. First, the workshop will briefly describe the scientific state of the art on local PA promotion policies evaluation, based on results from a literature review. Second, the panel will present the CAPLA-Santé, a policy evaluation tool designed by a stakeholders’ group in France, based on the Health Enhancing Physical Activity Policy Audit Tool of the World Health Organisation, to comprehensively review local PA policies. The final version of CAPLA-Santé contains 21 items divided into six sections: 1. Overview of HEPA stakeholders in the local government area, 2. Policy documents, 3. Policy contents, 4. Funding and political engagement, 5. Studies and measures relating to physical activity in the local government area, and 6. Progress achieved and future challenges. CAPLA-Santé allows the collection and in-depth analysis of local level policies to assess the progress in promoting PA and intersectoral collaboration as well as identifying successful policy levers and remaining challenges. Third, the panel will illustrate its use in 5 countries worldwide (Finland, France, Germany, Japan and Romania), summarising findings and explaining how such tools allow cross-cultural comparison. Fourth, panellists will discuss the challenges and success in using such tools and provide insights on how these tools can serve as capacity building for policy makers and to draw recommendations, as well as cross-cultural comparisons. Key messages • The workshop will provide key advise on how to monitor local physical activity policies. • The workshop will equip participants with tools to face the challenge of local physical activity policy evaluation. Speakers/Panelists Petru Sandu Cluj School of Public Health, Babes-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania Anne Vuillemin Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France François Berdougo Société Française de Santé Publique, Laxou, France Peter Gelius FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany

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.

The Effectiveness of Physical Activity Policies in Center-Based Childcare: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT Purpose: Many young children spend a significant portion of time in center-based childcare settings; however, these children are often not sufficiently active during care. Promoting physical activity through policy implementation is one mechanism which has the potential to increase physical activity. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to provide an overview of physical activity policies implemented in childcare centers and determine their effect on children’s physical activity. Methods: Electronic searches were conducted in CINAHL, Medline, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Sports Medicine and Education Database. Two reviewers independently examined 3,286 articles to find peer-reviewed, original studies that assessed the impact of physical activity policies on children’s physical activity. Random effects meta-analyses were used to determine the impact of policies. Results: A total of 13 articles met the inclusion criteria; in which 12 unique policies were implemented. Results of the meta-analyses suggest that introducing new physical activity policies did not increase children’s moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA); however, compared to centers without a formalized physical activity policy, children in centers with a formalized policy engaged in significantly more MVPA and total physical activity. Conclusions: Introducing new physical activity policies alone may not be sufficient to increase children’s engagement in physical activity, and it may be important to combine with capacity-building initiatives for childcare staff and early childhood educators. Results reinforce the value of childcare centers implementing their own formalized physical activity policies to support children’s physical activity, which highlights the importance of regulating physical activity practices in childcare. Registration: CRD42022326037.

The enactment of leisure-time physical activity policy for older adults in community leisure settings

ABSTRACT This paper examines the enactment of local government leisure policies in community leisure facilities through the lens of policy enactment. Leisure policies typically get enacted through a complex and contested process by a range of stakeholders. The paper explores how local government staff and leisure facility managers engage in the work of older adult policy enactment and how policies inform the strategic planning of programs and facilities. The research involved semi-structured interviews with local government employees and leisure facility managers across four local government areas in Victoria, Australia. Findings indicate that leisure facility managers exhibit a lack of engagement with policies, particularly those targeting older adults. To improve participation rates and justify significant public investment in leisure facilities, the study recommends leisure facility management and local government employees establish a negotiation process concerning older adult leisure and physical activity policy and facility managers interpret, re-contextualise, and make sense of policy.

Healthy fitness zone prevalence and age-specific fitness profile of young people in seven European countries in 2022: The EUFITMOS project.

Physical fitness is a health marker in youth and is associated with current and future health. Present the healthy fitness zone (HFZ) prevalence and age-specific fitness profile of young people from seven European countries. This study used data from the European Fitness Monitoring System project. The sample comprised 4965 (51.4% boys) youths aged 9 to 18 years. Fitness data were collected by physical education teachers using field-based tests. Raw data from the fitness tests were used to calculate the prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of participants in the HFZ. The overall prevalence of boys and girls in the HFZ for all tests was 16.6% (95% CI = 14.7, 18.1) and 14.9% (95% CI = 13.2, 16.6), respectively. Boys have a mainly positive HFZ profiles, except for the 9-year-olds in the sit and reach (z-score difference = -1.20) and the 20 m run for boys 13-18-year-olds (z-score difference range: -0.09 to -0.01). Girls have worse HFZ profiles than boys, being out of the HFZ in several tests. Furthermore, a decreasing trend in z-score difference from the HFZ with age was observed in VO2 peak for boys and girls and sit and reach for girls. Notwithstanding, several country-related, sex and age differences were observed. Boys presented mostly healthy age-specific fitness profiles in several fitness tests and ages. These differences should be considered when promoting youth's health through physical activity and fitness, as different fitness levels may require different approaches to implementing health-enhancing physical activity policies.

O.1.3-2 Development and implementation of physical activity policies at national and subnational levels: a pilot study in Latin American countries

Abstract Purpose National physical activity (PA) policy processes are only beginning to be documented, and the interaction between the actors involved in these processes remains understudied. This study was designed to gain further insights into the policy process (agenda setting, policy formulation, adoption, implementation, evaluation) and the interaction between national and subnational levels. Methods We conducted a pilot study to assess the feasibility and scalability of an instrument to assess the PA policy process as part of the work of the Global Physical Activity Observatory (GoPA!). The instrument was tested in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Mexico, where pilot data were collected in matched pairs of the capital plus one non-capital city among national and subnational policy makers (n = 24), as identified by the GoPA! Country Contacts. Descriptive statistics were calculated to assess perceptions on the influences and interactions across the two levels with respect to PA policy development, implementation, and evaluation. Results Twenty-two (response rate=85.7%) key informants provided data, mostly from the health sector (54.5%), followed by sports (27.3%), education (9.1%), and transport (9.1%) government institutions. Most participants reported that their countries have a current PA policy embedded within a noncommunicable diseases prevention plan (50.0%), other plan (41.7%), or a plan to prevent, manage, or control obesity (8.3%). Respondents at the subnational level rated PA promotion as central (75.0%), while at the national level the role was important but not central (75.0%). Across the five stages of the policy process, national and subnational policy makers reported low-to-little involvement in the other level’s PA policy processes. Conclusions This pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of collecting national and subnational PA policy data across countries with the active collaboration of the GoPA! network Country Contacts. Also, we successfully identified the degree of interaction between government levels throughout the PA policy process. Initial results suggest that engagement between national and subnational levels is suboptimal. Funding Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia; University of California San Diego, USA.

S4-1 Learning from national initiatives from across the EU in HEPA policy monitoring and evaluation

Abstract The monitoring and evaluation of HEPA policy are essential steps towards developing the evidence base to understand the process and impact of policy implementation as well as guide future policy design. The policy development and implementation cycle can be strengthened through effective monitoring and evaluation tools, as well as multi-sectoral engagement. The promotion of physical activity often requires multiple sectors such as public health, sport, urban design etc., and working in diverse settings. In recent years, researchers and international organizations, such as WHO, have produced useful resources and guidance for monitoring and evaluating the impact of policy on a national level. The fast-growing interest in physical activity policy by national governments, for the purposes of increasing health and wellbeing can provide new opportunities for capturing the impact of HEPA policy and learning from other countries. The lack of available evidence on the process and effectiveness of HEPA policy remains a challenge when developing new policy. This highlights the need for sharing good practice from diverse policy contexts and HEPA settings. The symposium presentations will discuss policy monitoring and evaluation tools and case studies to investigate the different implementation aspects of national HEPA policy in four EU countries: Germany, Ireland, Slovenia and Wales. The goal of this symposium is to share lessons from the development of instruments used in (physical activity) policy monitoring and evaluation and to present real-world case studies of cross-sector collaboration. The high quality and diversity of the tools and projects presented in the four presentations, makes this symposium beneficial to both novice and experienced researchers, policy-makers and practitioners. The attendees can update their knowledge regarding different methods and instruments used in physical activity policy monitoring and evaluation and learn from engaging multiple sectors in HEPA such as urban design, sport, environment and public health. Reflections from this symposium will inform and enhance HEPA policy development and implementation in real-time and stimulate future research and practice in this field.

O.1.3-4 The MOVING policy index: assessing physical activity policy in 30 European countries

Abstract Purpose Physical activity policies play a key role in creating healthier environments where population health and prevention of non-communicable diseases is prioritised. However, fewer than one in five adolescents in Europe meet the daily physical activity recommendations of 60 minutes a day. Greater policy action is needed by national governments to create enabling environments which promote physical activity. The MOVING policy index assesses national government action in physical activity policy across 30 European countries. Methods Physical activity policy actions in 30 European countries were identified through a comprehensive scan with a set methodology, including verification by in-country government experts. These policy actions were benchmarked using evidence-informed aspirational attributes that assess the strength of policy design. Results Of the 30 European countries analysed, more than half did not take a comprehensive approach to physical activity policy, implementing policy actions across three key domains: active societies, people and environments. Policy action was concentrated in public communication, followed by physical activity promotion in schools and the community. Policies that offer physical activity opportunities in the workplace and training in physical activity promotion and that give physical activity training, assessment and counselling in healthcare settings received less attention from governments. The least action was taken on policy targeting active environments, such as active design guidelines and transport infrastructure, including promoting public and active transport. Eleven of the 30 European countries did not implement any policy actions in either policy area. Countries that did implement policy actions in these areas, received mostly poor assessments for their policy design. For example, 15 out of 22 countries that implemented policy actions on building structures received a poor assessment. Conclusions Greater action on better designed policy actions in physical activity is urgently needed across the 30 European countries analysed. Key gaps are seen in policies targeting the built environment and infrastructure for active transport. The MOVING policy index results can be used by policymakers, researchers and civil society, both at European or country level to inform advocacy for and design of physical activity policies.

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.

O.4.6-8 Dutch school policies for less sitting and more physical activity in primary schools

Abstract Purpose A more dynamic school day that includes less sitting and more physical activity throughout the day may support health in primary school children. In this mixed methodologies study, we assessed which physical activity possibilities are incorporated in the school policies of Dutch primary schools and if this translates into more physical activity in pupils. Methods Seven primary schools were included in the study. The head teachers completed a questionnaire on the incorporation of physical activity in the school policy. Physical activity policy was assessed for physical education, physical activity during breaks, scheduling of physical activity during lessons, after school physical activity and active transport to school. In each school, actual physical activity was objectively measured using accelerometers in pupils in two classes and planning and logging of PA by teachers. Results We will assess the impact of the school policy on physical activity in pupils using logistic regression. We will assess the impact of the several school policies on total physical activity in pupils, and on the three (light, moderate and high) modalities of physical activity. Conclusion The results of this study will give us more insight in the current role of physical activity in Dutch primary schools. The potential impact of the school policy on physical activity levels in pupils can be used as a starting point for a more integral dynamic school day approach. Support/Funding Source This study was partially funded by “Stichting Westelijke Tuinsteden’.