Sport and physical activity in the lives of looked-after children: a ‘hidden group’ in research, policy and practice

Background: The International Society for Physical Activity and Health (ISPAH) is a leading global organization working to advance research, policy, and practice to promote physical activity. Given the expanding evidence base on interventions to promote physical activity, it was timely to review and update a major ISPAH advocacy document—Investments that Work for Physical Activity (2011). Methods: Eight investment areas were agreed upon through consensus. Literature reviews were conducted to identify key evidence relevant to policymakers in each sector or setting. Results: The 8 investment areas were as follows: whole-of-school programs; active transport; active urban design; health care; public education; sport and recreation; workplaces; and community-wide programs. Evidence suggests that the largest population health benefit will be achieved by combining these investments and implementing a systems-based approach. Conclusions: Establishing consensus on ‘what works’ to change physical activity behavior is a cornerstone of successful advocacy, as is having appropriate resources to communicate key messages to a wide range of stakeholders. ISPAH has created a range of resources related to the new investments described in this paper. These resources are available in the ‘advocacy toolkit’ on the ISPAH website (www.ispah.org/resources).

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International conference on physical activity and obesity in children: summary statement and recommendationsThis summary statement and recommendations from the International Conference on Physical Activity and Obesity in Children is being published simultaneously in the International Journal of Pediatric Obesity and Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism.For the International Association for the Study of Obesity Physical Activity Task Force and the Conference Speaker Panel (the conference speaker panel includes Tom Baranowski, Claude Bouchard, Kelly Brownell, Deborah Cohen, William H. Dietz, Rod Dishman, Mary Flynn, William Haskell, James O. Hill, W.P.T. (Philip) James, Russell Pate, John Peters, Michael Pratt, Harry Rutter, James Sallis, Jo Salmon, Chantal Simon, and Boyd Swinburn).

Applied Physiology Nutrition and Metabolism ◽

10.1139/h07-176 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 33 (2) ◽

pp. 371-388 ◽

Cited By ~ 22

Author(s):

Peter T. Katzmarzyk ◽

Louise A. Baur ◽

Steven N. Blair ◽

Estelle V. Lambert ◽

Jean-Michel Oppert ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Research Policy ◽

Task Force ◽

International Association ◽

Scientific Evidence ◽

Policy And Practice ◽

International Conference ◽

Summary Statement ◽

Obesity In Children

The increasing prevalence of obesity among the world’s children and youth was the impetus for an international conference convened in Toronto, Canada, to examine issues related to physical activity and obesity in children (24–27 June 2007). The goal of the conference was to assimilate, interpret, and share scientific evidence with key stakeholders to develop recommendations concerning effective physical activity policies and programs to address obesity in children. The conference was attended by approximately 1000 delegates from 33 countries who gathered to listen to the invited speakers and to share information on promising practices related to the promotion of physical activity with the aim of reducing the burden of obesity in children. The major topics addressed at the conference included the biological and behavioural causes of obesity, current and past levels of physical activity and sedentarism in children, the role of the social, family, and built environments in addressing the physical activity deficit, and the role of legislation and industry in promoting physical activity. Promising physical activity interventions among children were presented, and important research, policy, and practice recommendations to address the issue of physical inactivity and obesity were provided.

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