Population Levels Of Physical Activity Research Articles

Breaking Barriers: An Innovative Tool to Assess the National and City-Level Physical Activity Policy Development to Practice Disconnect.

Population-level physical activity increases are improbable without intersectoral collaboration across government levels and sectors to develop and implement physical activity promotion policies. This study aims to provide information about the development of the Interaction between National and Local Government Levels in Development and Implementation of Physical Activity Policies Tool (INTEGRATE PA-Pol). A framework was created to examine the development and implementation of national and subnational physical activity policies and the (mis)alignment between government levels. The work was conducted in 3 phases: (1)a scoping review was carried out to identify local government physical activity promotion policies and instruments for assessing them, (2)an expert group designed 6 questionnaires, and (3)cognitive response testing was employed for validity testing and item modification with a panel of research and policy experts. The INTEGRATE PA-Pol Tool consists of 6 questionnaires assessing how national and subnational governments collaborate to develop and implement physical activity promotion policies. This tool can assist in better understanding the development and implementation of a public policy monitoring system that will allow for benchmarking and priority setting to comprehend how physical activity promotion policies are designed and executed.

Levels and types of physical activity in Russia according to the ESSE-RF study: is there a trace of the COVID-19 pandemic?

Aim. To study levels and types of physical activity, as well as its individual socio-demographic and seasonal determinants in the Russian population according to the Epidemiology of Cardiovascular Diseases and their Risk Factors in Regions of Russian Federation (ESSE-RF) study.Material and methods. Data from the ESSE-RF2 (2017) and ESSERF3 (2020-2022) was used. The sample included 28731 men and women aged 35-74 from 15 regions. The level of physical activity was assessed using the Global physical activity questionnaire (GPAQ). The following socio-economic and demographic characteristics were taken as covariates: sex, age, place of residence (urban and rural), level of education, marital status, work characteristics, income level, season of the year. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 22 (IBM Corp. USA).Results. The study showed that 27,4% of the sample have insufficient physical activity. Among the low physical activity category, there are more women than men (28,12 vs 26,7%, p<0,001); among men, high physical activity was more often identified (24,1 vs 18,3%, p<0,001). Compared to the urban population, rural residents have higher physical activity rates (23,9 vs 20,3%, p<0,001). The proportion of people with high physical activity is also higher among people with higher income levels (p<0,001). General physical activity in men is higher compared to women, due to work and recreational activity, but transport-related physical activity is significantly higher in women. From 2017 to 20202022, the population level of physical activity decreased.Conclusion. This study provides the most complete description of Russian patterns of physical activity and shows the areas of necessary intervention for the development of measures and programs aimed at increasing physical activity of Russian population.

The Influence of Social Vulnerability and Culture on Physical Inactivity in the United States – Identifying Hot Spots in Need of Attention

BackgroundIn the United States, ongoing efforts to increase individual- and population-level physical activity have made little to no progress over the past decade in reducing the percentage of individuals who report no leisure-time physical activity. The purpose of the current study is to further assess the relationship between social vulnerability and the prevalence of physical inactivity at the county level. MethodsWe merged county-level data on physical inactivity prevalence, the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), and the American Nations regional cultures schematic. ResultsPhysical inactivity significantly correlated (P < .001) with the overall SVI score and all subtheme scores to varying levels of strength. Clear and statistically significant heterogeneity in the SVI scores was apparent across distinct regions using the American Nations model, consistent with previously demonstrated patterns of physical inactivity prevalence. ConclusionsOn a national level, physical inactivity prevalence is unacceptably high and has not appreciably improved over the past decade. Within the United States, high levels of social vulnerability and physical inactivity are concentrated within specific geographic regions that need tailored solutions to resolve health disparities.

Comparison of children's physical activity profiles before and after COVID-19 lockdowns: A latent profile analysis.

Physical activity is important for children's health, but moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) declines with age. COVID-19 lockdowns resulted in reduced MVPA and increased sedentary time among children. Characterising children's activity patterns may help identify groups who are most likely to be inactive post-lockdown. Data were combined from a pre-COVID-19 cohort study on children aged 5-6 years (Year1: n = 1299), 8-9 years (Year4: n = 1223) and 10-11 years (Year6: n = 1296) and cross-sectional post-lockdown data from a natural experiment on 10-11-year-olds in 2021 (Year6-W1: n = 393) and 2022 (Year6-W2: n = 436). The proportions of time spent in MVPA, light physical activity (LPA) and sedentary time on weekdays and weekends were derived from accelerometer data. Latent class analysis was used to identify activity profiles pre and post-lockdown, and estimate pre-COVID-19 transitions between Year4 and Year6. We identified six pre-COVID-19 activity profiles in Year6, including a new profile characterised by very low MVPA and high sedentary time (19% of children). There was substantial movement between profiles at Year4 and Year6, with 45% moving to a profile with lower MVPA. Likelihood ratio tests suggested differences in Year6 activity profiles pre and post-lockdown, with a new post-lockdown profile emerging characterised by higher LPA. The percentage of children in the least active profiles (where under 20% meet UK physical activity guidelines), rose post-lockdown, from 34% pre-COVID-19 to 50% in 2021 and 40% in 2022. We also saw gender and socioeconomic gaps widen, and increased separation between high and low physical activity levels. Children's physical activity has changed post-COVID-19, in terms of who is being active and how. The impact varies by activity profile, which is influenced by gender and socio-economic position. A greater understanding of these differences and targeting of low active groups is needed to increase both individual and population levels of physical activity.

Ten-Year Changes in the Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors of Adults: An Analysis of the 2 Cross-Sectional Observation of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Luxembourg Studies.

Monitoring population physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior over time is important to guide public health actions. The objective of this study was to investigate the changes in PA and sedentary behavior of adult residents in Luxembourg over 10years. We also investigated variations in change over time across sociodemographic subgroups. Two population-based cross-sectional studies of adults living in Luxembourg (Observation of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Luxembourg [ORISCAV-LUX] [2007-2008] and ORISCAV-LUX 2 [2016-2018]) were considered. Multilevel mixed-effects models were used to investigate changes over time between the studies with regard to self-reported total PA (metabolic equivalent of task-min/week), PA levels (inactive/sufficiently active/highly active), total sitting time, recreational television viewing, and personal computer (PC) use outside of work (in minutes per day). The ORISCAV-LUX study included 1318 participants and the ORISCAV-LUX 2 study involved 1477 participants; 573 adults took part in both studies. The proportion of participants categorized as highly active increased over time by 6.9%. Total PA (761 metabolic equivalent of task-min/wk), television viewing (12min/d), and PC use outside of work (13min/d) also increased, whereas the total sitting time decreased by 25minutes per day. Variations in change over time were observed by sex, country of birth, education, employment status, and perceived financial difficulty. Over a 10-year period, PA increased and total sitting time decreased in adults living in Luxembourg. With regard to specific sedentary behaviors, television viewing, and PC use outside of work increased. Specific population subgroups will benefit the most from targeted efforts to increase PA and minimize sedentary behavior.

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

The longitudinal effects of the built environment on transportation and recreational walking, and differences by age and sex: systematic review protocol

BackgroundIn high-income countries, the prevalence of physical inactivity and non-communicable diseases is high, and it is now well-established that insufficient physical activity is a risk factor for non-communicable diseases. Walking for recreation and transportation are effective means of improving population levels of physical activity. Research finds that the built environment (BE) can encourage or discourage walking behaviour, and this association varies for different age groups and sexes. This systematic review aims to synthesise longitudinal evidence to better understand how the BE affects recreational and transportation walking for different age groups (above 64 years and 18–64 years) and sexes in high-income countries.MethodWe will use Scopus, PubMed, SPORTDiscus with Full Text (EBSCO), Business Source Complete (EBSCO), Art and Architecture Archive (Proquest), Avery Index to Architectural Periodicals (ProQuest), and Art, Design & Architecture Collection (ProQuest) databases to search for relevant studies. Reviewers will screen the search results according to pre-specified eligibility criteria for study inclusion in the review. Required data for the synthesis will be extracted from the included studies to answer the research questions. Further, the methodological quality of the studies included in this systematic review will be evaluated using an established instrument, and the resulting quality scores will be utilized in sensitivity analysis. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist will be followed when reporting the findings.DiscussionThis review will identify BE attributes that are likely to influence transportation and recreational walking for younger and older adults and different sexes in high-income countries. The findings will help policymakers with making decisions around walkable built environments for older and younger adults and different sexes to keep them healthy.Trial registrationThis protocol of the prospective systematic review is developed following PRISMA-P guidelines and is registered on the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (registration ID CRD42022351919).

Assessment of resources for physical activity and understanding people’s perception and practices regarding physical activity in an Indian city

BackgroundPromoting physical activity in urban India is imperative considering the burden of non-communicable diseases in the country. Planning for improving population level physical activity needs sound understanding of availability and quality of resources/facilities for physical activity and knowing people’s perception and practices regarding the physical activity.MethodsA cross-sectional study was undertaken in Kolar city of Karnataka state in India. All the resources/facilities required for supporting physical activity were mapped and their quality was assessed utilizing adapted version of physical activity resource assessment questionnaire. The information regarding latitude, longitude and approximate size of the resource was obtained using a hand-held GPS tracker. 495 individuals aged ≥ 18 years, selected by two stage cluster random sampling with probability proportionate to population size technique, were interviewed to assess their perception and practices regarding physical activity using semi-structured questionnaire and global physical activity questionnaire.ResultsKolar city has 36.3 physical activity resources per lakh population and per person availability of park and playground area was 0.4 Sq. meters. Available resources were concentrated in the center of the city. Half of the sports facilities and 14 of the 17 recreational facilities in the city were of poor to mediocre quality. 38.2% of adults in Kolar city were found to be physically active. Only 19.2% of the study participants had accessed sports/fitness facilities/playgrounds in past 3 months and only 18.8% of the study participants accessed parks in the previous 3 months. 28.6% to 59.1% of the participants preferred ‘walking’ for work, college and shopping. Less than 5% of the participants preferred and used cycle as a mode of transport. 1/3rd of the study participants felt that Kolar city is safe of walking and 44.6% felt that the city is safe for cycling.ConclusionCreating enabling environment by increasing the number and quality of resources/facilities for physical activity along with their equitable distribution is required to promote and improve population level physical activity in Kolar city. Urban planning with a focus on non-motorized transport including walking would contribute to improved people’s perception and practices regarding physical activity in the city.

The park physical activity questionnaire (Park-PAQ): A reliable measurement tool for park-based and total physical activity.

Few studies have explicitly quantified the proportion of park-based physical activity to park users' overall physical activity levels. Population studies need new context-specific physical activity measurement tools to achieve this. The objective of this study was to develop a reliable measure of self-reported park use and physical activity undertaken within and outside of parks to determine the contribution that park-based physical activity makes to overall physical activity levels. A test-retest reliability study (n=104) was conducted using the Park Physical Activity Questionnaire (Park-PAQ), an instrument based on the Active Australia Survey. Park-PAQ items captured the frequency and duration of walking for recreation or exercise, walking for transport, moderate and vigorous physical activity and strength, conditioning and balance activities done in parks and elsewhere. Recall of doing any walking for recreation (kappa=0.649, p<0.001) and any vigorous physical activity (kappa=0.772, p<0.001) was 'substantial', recall of doing any moderate physical activity (kappa=0.553, p<0.001) was 'moderate/acceptable', and recall of any walking for transport (kappa=0.840, p<0.001) 'near perfect'. Recall of the time spent walking for recreation in parks (ICC=0.928, p<0.001) was 'near perfect', whilst recall of time spent doing moderate activity in parks (ICC=0.925, p<0.001) and vigorous activity in parks (ICC=0.962, p<0.001) was 'near perfect'. Time spent walking for transport in a park (ICC=0.200, p=0.056) showed 'poor' agreement. Repeatability of the usual level of park use was 'substantial' (kappa=0.744). The Park-PAQ reliably measures six domains of physical activity and quantifies the proportion of physical activity done in parks as a proportion of total physical activity. The Park-PAQ, used alone or embedded into park or physical activity surveys, will reliably capture context-specific activities that will optimise population level physical activity interventions, park programming and park management and design.

Burden of illness, risk factor and physical activity in cardiovascular disease- A review

Cardiovascular illness encompasses a group of diseases affecting the blood vessels and the structure of the heart, and it remains one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases worldwide. Over the years, the rate of death from cardiovascular diseases has shown a significant decline in several high-income countries, primarily due to reductions in risk factors and advancements in cardiovascular disease management. Nonetheless, the global burden of cardiovascular diseases remains substantial, with an estimated 55 million deaths occurring in 2017, out of which 17.7 million were attributed to cardiovascular disease. The focus of this review is to explore the burden of illness, risk factors, and physical activity levels in populations affected by cardiovascular diseases. Studies have identified 14 potentially modifiable risk factors that were strongly associated with cardiovascular disease and mortality, surpassing the significance of body mass index (BMI), as evidenced by the PURE (Prospective Urban and Rural Epidemiology) study and prior research. While cardiovascular deaths have decreased in several developed countries, there has been a significant increase in low- and middle-income countries. Physical activity has emerged as a critical factor in reducing the risk of mortality and major cardiovascular events, regardless of the type of physical activity and other risk factors. The Physical Activity Guidelines (PAG) for Americans in 2008 recommended a range of moderate and vigorous physical activity and highlighted its inverse association with all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease mortality, and incident CVD. Emphasizing the importance of physical activity, this low-cost approach holds tremendous potential in reducing deaths and cardiovascular diseases on a global scale. Overall, this review highlights the ongoing global challenge of cardiovascular diseases and underscores the importance of preventive measures, including promoting physical activity, to improve cardiovascular health and reduce the burden of illness worldwide.

Cut-point values for classifying active children and validity and reliability of physical activity questionnaire for children in Morocco.

The Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children (PAQ-C) is widely used to assess physical activity in populations; however, there is a lack of information about the psychometric properties (validity and reliability) and about the PAQ-C score meaning in populations from low-middle income countries. The aim of this study is to evaluate the reliability and validity of PAQ-C and to determine the cut-point values of PAQ-C using accelerometry as a reference in a group of Moroccan children. In a sample of 171 children and adolescents aged 8 to 14 years, physical activity was assessed with the GT3X + accelerometer and the PAQ-C. PAQ-C was administered for a second time (retest) after 1week for a subsample (n = 73). Reliability was analyzed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The PAQ-C was compared against count per minute CPM and moderate to vigorous intensity PA (MVPA) obtained by accelerometry. Receiver operating curve analyses were performed to assess the performance of PAQ-C in identifying MVPA as measured by accelerometry (reference method). Test-retest reliability was poor with an ICC = (0.48 [0.27; 0.63] for the whole sample, while for the ≥11 year group, the intra-class correlation coefficient was moderate (0.71 [0.42; 0.86]. PAQ-C scores were significantly related to accelerometry-derived metrics of physical activity, CPM (R = 0.29, P < 0.001) and MVPA (R = 0.26, P < 0.001). For the age group ≥11 years, the associations between PAQ-C Scores and CPM and MVPA were stronger, respectively, R = 0.37 (P <0.001), R =0.38 (P < 0.0001). We identified that a PAQ-C Score cut-point of 2.33 (95%CI [0.43-0.68]) discriminated adequately between those who met physical activity guidelines and those that did not in the overall sample. The PAQ-C is valid and useful to assess population level physical activity in those ≥11 years in Morocco and so might be helpful in population surveillance of physical activity in Moroccan adolescents.

Playground Design: Contribution to Duration of Stay and Implications for Physical Activity.

The study goal was to identify playground features associated with visitor length of stay and physical activity. We observed playground visitors over 4 days during summer 2021 in 60 playgrounds in 10 US cities, selected based on design, population density, and poverty levels. We observed 4278 visitors and documented their length of stay. We observed an additional 3713 visitors for 8 min, recording their playground location, activity level, and use of electronic media. People stayed an average of 32 min (range 5 min-4 h). Stay time varied by group size, with larger groups staying longer. The presence of restrooms increased the likelihood of staying longer by 48%. Playground size, mature trees, swings, climbers, and spinners were associated with longer stays. When a teen was a part of the group observed, the group was 64% less likely to stay longer. The use of electronic media was associated with lower amounts of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity compared to non-media users. To increase population-level physical activity and time spent outdoors, playground features associated with a longer stay should be considered when renovating or building new playgrounds.

Device-measured physical activity and sedentary time in a national sample of Luxembourg residents: the ORISCAV-LUX 2 study

BackgroundExisting information about population physical activity (PA) levels and sedentary time in Luxembourg are based on self-reported data.MethodsThis observational study included Luxembourg residents aged 18-79y who each provided ≥4 valid days of triaxial accelerometry in 2016-18 (n=1122). Compliance with the current international PA guideline (≥150 min moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) per week, irrespective of bout length) was quantified and variability in average 24h acceleration (indicative of PA volume), awake-time PA levels, sedentary time and accumulation pattern were analysed by linear regression. Data were weighted to be nationally representative.ResultsParticipants spent 51% of daily time sedentary (mean (95% confidence interval (CI)): 12.1 (12.0 to 12.2) h/day), 11% in light PA (2.7 (2.6 to 2.8) h/day), 6% in MVPA (1.5 (1.4 to 1.5) h/day), and remaining time asleep (7.7 (7.6 to 7.7) h/day). Adherence to the PA guideline was high (98.1%). Average 24h acceleration and light PA were higher in women than men, but men achieved higher average accelerations across the most active periods of the day. Women performed less sedentary time and shorter sedentary bouts. Older participants (aged ≥55y) registered a lower average 24h acceleration and engaged in less MVPA, more sedentary time and longer sedentary bouts. Average 24h acceleration was higher in participants of lower educational attainment, who also performed less sedentary time, shorter bouts, and fewer bouts of prolonged sedentariness. Average 24h acceleration and levels of PA were higher in participants with standing and manual occupations than a sedentary work type, but manual workers registered lower average accelerations across the most active periods of the day. Standing and manual workers accumulated less sedentary time and fewer bouts of prolonged sedentariness than sedentary workers. Active commuting to work was associated with higher average 24h acceleration and MVPA, both of which were lower in participants of poorer self-rated health and higher weight status. Obesity was associated with less light PA, more sedentary time and longer sedentary bouts.ConclusionsAdherence to recommended PA is high in Luxembourg, but half of daily time is spent sedentary. Specific population subgroups will benefit from targeted efforts to replace sedentary time with PA.

A Call for Action on Chronic Respiratory Diseases within Physical Activity Policies, Guidelines and Action Plans: Let's Move!

Global policy documents for the promotion of physical activity (PA) play an important role in the measurement, evaluation, and monitoring of population PA levels. The World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines include, for the first time, recommendations for specific populations, including individuals living with a range of non-communicable diseases. Of note, is the absence of any chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) within the recommendations. Globally, CRDs are highly prevalent, are attributable to significant individual and societal burdens, and are characterised by low PA. As a community, there is a need to come together to understand how to increase CRD representation within global PA policy documents, including where the evidence gaps are and how we can align with PA research in other contexts. In this commentary, the potential for synergy between evidence into the relationships between PA in CRDs globally and the relevance to current policies, guidelines and action plans on population levels of PA are discussed. Furthermore, actions and considerations for future research, including the need to harmonize and promote PA assessment (particularly in low- and middle-income countries) and encompass the synergistic influences of PA, sedentary behaviour and sleep on health outcomes in CRD populations are presented.

Impact of urban schoolyard play zone diversity and nature-based design features on unstructured recess play behaviors

In urban low-income neighborhoods, child wellbeing is highly dependent on the school ecosystem. The schoolyard, specifically, provides opportunities for physical and social development during recess. The purpose of our study was to examine the impact of various schoolyard design features and green space on unstructured recess play behaviors according to gender and age. Individual and population-level physical activity and social interactions were recorded with validated direct observation tools across five Title I Los Angeles elementary schoolyards (N = 2275). More students were observed sedentary in schoolyards with fewer unique play areas and in play areas with higher student density. Observations indicate that girls prefer noncompetitive activities in nature-filled spaces while boys prefer competitive ball games in either hardscape or grass. The play areas that appealed to and promoted moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and prosocial interactions in students of both genders and age groups included intentional physical separation from other areas, tree-provided shade, and/or balance and climbing obstacles. Results suggest that increasing the square footage of the schoolyard devoted to grass sport fields or traditional playground painting is not sufficient to optimize student benefit. In conclusion, there is potential to concurrently address environmental urban heat island effects and the rise in childhood obesity with large-scale green schoolyard renovations that allow for more student choice and creative play and include age-appropriate motor skill challenge. Future studies should examine how schoolyard design features conducive to positive recess play behaviors intersect with student attendance, outdoor learning, as well as additional mental and physical health outcomes.

Built environment approaches: Extension personnel's preferences, barriers, and facilitators.

IntroductionInterventions that modify the built environment can increase population physical activity levels and prevent chronic disease. The national Cooperative Extension System is poised to implement built environment approaches (i.e., pedestrian/bicycle infrastructure and enhanced access to physical activity spaces), but implementation strategies (i.e., methods or techniques to move research to practice) are needed to improve uptake. Effective implementation strategies address relevant barriers and capitalize on facilitators. The purpose of this study was to understand 1) barriers and facilitators to implementing built environment approaches in two state Extension systems, 2) preferences for built environment approaches, and 3) preferences for implementation strategies.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey was used to understand Extension personnel's preferences for and barriers and facilitators to built environment approaches through a mixed-methods study design. This work was informed by anthropological inquiry as the overall research philosophy, and by the Health Impact Pyramid, Leeman et al.'s classification of implementation strategies, and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research as the theoretical frameworks. The survey was distributed to eligible Extension personnel (n = 42) in two states. Quantitative data analysis consisted of numbers/proportions and Friedman tests. Qualitative analysis was completed through a rapid deductive approach to quickly produce actionable results.ResultsFourteen respondents (33%) completed the survey. Most had not implemented physical activity interventions in their communities or had implemented only individual-level interventions, though were interested in implementing built environment approaches. Benches, playground improvements, and crosswalks were the most desired approaches, while facilitation, assessing community strengths and needs, and technical assistance were desired implementation strategies. The most common barriers were relative priority and available resources; facilitators were external policy and incentives and implementation climate.DiscussionExtension personnel are receptive to built environment approaches and engaged with community coalitions. Yet, invested parties prefer individual-level interventions, and agents perceive a lack of resources for implementation. Implementation strategies that build capacity in both the Extension system and community coalitions may address these barriers through increasing relative priority and sharing existing resources. This work is a first step toward compiling implementation strategies to address relevant barriers to built environment approaches in community settings.

Neighbourhood correlates of average population walking: using aggregated, anonymised mobile phone data to identify where people walk.

Understanding and monitoring socio-spatial patterns of population walking mobility can inform urban planning and geographically targeted health promotion strategies aimed at increasing population levels of physical activity. In this study we use aggregated, anonymous mobile phone mobility data to examine the association between neighbourhood physical and social characteristics and residents' weekly walking behaviour across 313 neighbourhoods in a large metropolitan region of Queensland, Australia. We find that residents in neighbourhoods that are highly fragmented by streets with speed limits above 50 kmph, residents in neighbourhoods with high retail density and those living is economically disadvantaged neighbourhoods walk fewer kilometres and minutes on average per week than their counterparts. These findings can inform urban planning policy on the minimum specifications required in newly developing neighbourhoods and provide targets for retro-fitting features into existing neighbourhoods.

S02 Physical activity surveillance across the life-course: from data to policy

As a major risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), physical inactivity is a prominent challenge for public health. The purpose of this symposium is to present an overview of physical inactivity prevalence in Europe using data collected through international surveillance initiatives, while highlighting successes and discussing future challenges for utilising data to promote physical activity across the life course.The World Health Organization (WHO) is involved in several physical activity surveillance systems on which discussions during this symposium will be based: 1. The WHO European Childhood Obesity Surveillance Initiative (COSI) is the largest survey of its kind in the world. An overview of results from the most recent round of COSI will be presented focusing on prevalence estimates for physical activity, screen time and sleep. Variations between countries of the socioeconomic determinants of physical inactivity, as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, will demonstrate the ongoing need for quality data to guide targeted policy actions in support of vulnerable groups throughout the life course.2. The WHO’s STEPwise approach to surveillance (STEPS) survey provides important national level prevalence data on the behavioural and metabolic risk factors for NCDs. For many countries, the STEPS survey has provided the first estimates of physical inactivity and sedentary behaviour in the population and has been essential in raising awareness of the need for national policy actions to increase population levels of physical activity.3. The European Commission, with the support of the WHO Regional Office for Europe, has established the European Union Physical Activity Focal Points Network to monitor implementation of the 23 indicators of the Health-Enhancing Physical Activity (HEPA) monitoring framework on physical activity policy development and implementation.4. Within the European Union Physical Activity Focal Points Network, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, some countries established a survey on physical activity and screen time in children and adolescents.

P01-19 Building a cross-sectoral collaboration to support insight, intelligence and innovation for physical activity promotion in Ireland

IssueThe national physical activity plan (NPAP) for Ireland originated from an interdepartmental, cross-disciplinary structure that was put in place to promote population physical activity (PA) levels. There is a documented gap between research, policy and practice which hinders this promotion of population levels of PA. The Irish Physical Activity Research Collaboration (I-PARC) was established to play a key role in contributing to the outcomes of the NPAP, including the creation of a platform that enables knowledge translation and the sharing of valuable insight.Description of MethodsUsing elements of participatory action research, the collaboration encompasses 1) cross-sectoral buy in and interaction to reflect upon and understand the current PA landscape in Ireland, 2) a knowledge translation plan that provides strategies for ensuring any collaborative outputs are effectively shared with those relevant, and 3) interaction with PA professionals to generate a common aim and objectives for I-PARC, and identify the added value of sustaining such a collaboration.ResultsTo date, I-PARC has gained buy in from key stakeholders (N = 20) involved in PA promotion across government departments (N = 3), government agencies (N = 5) and research institutes (N = 4) in Ireland. Furthermore, the collaboration encompasses a Practitioner Advisory Group (PAG; N = 25), a Research Advisory Panel (RAP; N = 5) and I-PARC members (N = 140). This collaboration has generated a common aim and objectives that are reinforced through a website, social media account and I-PARC led events. Feedback from events and from focus groups with the PAG shows that a cross-sectoral collaboration, such as I-PARC, is needed to support insight, intelligence and innovation to enable more people to be more active in Ireland.LessonsKey learnings show that generating buy in from key stakeholders, creating and reinforcing a common aim, use of a knowledge translation plan, and identifying the added value and need for a collaboration have aided with establishing and sustaining I-PARC. Buy in from government departments, agencies and research institutes enables future planning around the sustainability of the collaboration, which will allow for continued collaboration between key stakeholders, narrowing the gap between practice, policy and research, and help work towards the common goal of PA promotion.

O6-6 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 (PA) promotion, as policy actions to address lifestyle behaviours have the potential to in?uence the health and well-being of an entire population. However, our knowledge about the current status, implementation and effectiveness of PA policies in individual countries is still very limited, and there is consequently no clear guidance on which policies governments should preferably use in different settings or under various preconditions. In order to improve the evidence-base, we conducted a detailed assessment of existing PA policies in four EU Member States using WHO's HEPA Policy Audit Tool (PAT) in the context of the Policy Evaluation Network (PEN).MethodsWe employed a six-step process to administer the HEPA PAT Version 2 in Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, and Poland. This involved identifying stakeholders, pre-filling parts of the tool using existing survey data and desk-research, approaching select institutions to verify details, and obtaining expert opinion via workshops, interviews, and/or questionnaires. Based on the four completed PATs, we performed a comparative analysis to identify similarities and differences between countries and with previous studies using the tool.ResultsIn all four countries, the health and sport sector were found to be most active in PA promotion, followed by education, transport, and environment/urban planning. All countries have national systems to monitor population PA levels, and three out of four already have national PA recommendations. The study also showed that policy context (e.g. ministry portfolios, importance of subnational governments) varies substantially between countries. This influences policy implementation and made it necessary to employ a bespoke approach in each country to obtain the required information.ConclusionsOur findings largely confirm results of previous studies using the PAT in other countries. They also indicate that using the tool in combination with other policy monitoring tools, e.g. the EU Monitoring Framework for HEPA across Sectors, may provide added value and help countries monitor policy progress more consistently. Our experience also confirms some known limitations of the PAT, e.g. regarding subnational policies and a high level of dependence on cooperation from key policy actors.