A Framework for Physical Activity Policy Research

2006 ◽  
Vol 3 (s1) ◽  
pp. S20-S29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas L. Schmid ◽  
Michael Pratt ◽  
Lindsay Witmer

Background:Although policy approaches are traditionally an important element of public health efforts to address major health problems, public health policy around physical activity remains poorly defined and developed.Methods:After extensive literature searches and reviews of policy frameworks developed for other public health issues such as tobacco control and injury prevention, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hosted a series of workshops and discussions on physical activity policy.Results:A simple model describing relationships among policy, the environment, behavior, and health was developed, a framework for organizing and conceptualizing policy interventions was described, and priorities for public health efforts to promote physical activity were proposed.Conclusions:An expanded focus on physical activity policy interventions is warranted, and such efforts can complement physical activity promotion efforts at other levels. The addition of researchers with expertise in the policy sciences will enhance the work of existing multidisciplinary teams.

Author(s):  
Kristina Marie Kokorelias ◽  
Jacquie Ripat ◽  
C. Allyson Jones ◽  
Nancy E. Mayo ◽  
Nancy M. Salbach ◽  
...  

Safety guidelines resulting from the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic may reduce physical activity participation of older adults, particularly prefrail and frail individuals. The objective was to explore older adults’ experiences with physical activity during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, interviews were conducted with 16 older adults. Data were analyzed thematically. Two themes emerged: (a) coming to a standstill and (b) small steps. Participants described that imposed provincial and federal recommendations caused them to reduce their physical activity with negative consequences. As time progressed, participants used emerging public health knowledge about coronavirus disease 2019 to safely increase physical activity. Many participants developed strategies to remain active during the pandemic (e.g., wearing a pedometer, walking outdoors at particular times of day). Findings from this study can better inform the development of programs, clinical practice, and policy for physical activity promotion in older adults during periods of physical distancing and isolation.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. e028996
Author(s):  
Sarah Denford ◽  
Kelly A Mackintosh ◽  
Melitta A McNarry ◽  
Alan R Barker ◽  
Craig Anthony Williams

ObjectiveTo explore the views of healthcare professionals from cystic fibrosis (CF) multidisciplinary teams (MDT) on physical activity for adolescents with CF, the specific strategies used for physical activity promotion and associated challenges.DesignIn this exploratory study, in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 15 healthcare professionals from CF MDTs to explore their views surrounding physical activity promotion for adolescents with CF.ParticipantsEleven physiotherapists (nine female), two consultants (both male) and two dieticians (both female) provided written informed consent and participated in the study.SettingCF clinics in the UK.ResultsWhile healthcare professionals highlighted the importance of physical activity in the management of CF, they noted that very few patients were motivated solely by (CF or general) health reasons. Healthcare professionals discussed the need for physical activity to be an enjoyable and routine part of their life, undertaken with significant others, outside the clinic whenever possible. Adopted approaches for physical activity promotion focused on providing individualised recommendations that suit the patients’ individual needs and goals and enhance intrinsic motivation for physical activity.ConclusionOur research offers valuable information for those seeking to develop interventions to promote physical activity among adolescents with CF. Specifically, intervention developers should focus on developing individualised interventions that focus on enhancing intrinsic motivation and support the integration of physical activity into everyday life.


2007 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 68-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antronette K. Yancey ◽  
Jonathan E. Fielding ◽  
George R. Flores ◽  
James F. Sallis ◽  
William J. McCarthy ◽  
...  

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 189-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann E. Vandenberg ◽  
Rebecca H. Hunter ◽  
Lynda A. Anderson ◽  
Lucinda L. Bryant ◽  
Steven P. Hooker ◽  
...  

Background:Research on walking and walkability has yet to focus on wayfinding, the interactive, problem-solving process by which people use environmental information to locate themselves and navigate through various settings.Methods:We reviewed the literature on outdoor pedestrian-oriented wayfinding to examine its relationship to walking and walkability, 2 areas of importance to physical activity promotion.Results:Our findings document that wayfinding is cognitively demanding and can compete with other functions, including walking itself. Moreover, features of the environment can either facilitate or impede wayfinding, just as environmental features can influence walking.Conclusions:Although there is still much to be learned about wayfinding and walking behaviors, our review helps frame the issues and lays out the importance of this area of research and practice.


2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (s3) ◽  
pp. S356-S368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Becky H. Lankenau ◽  
Dianne Culhane ◽  
Maria Stefan

This symposium addressed the importance of selective partnering between public health and other sectors in order to enhance physical activity promotion. The speakers reviewed the potential benefits of partnering, common partnering concerns and their remedies, and important tasks for developing successful partnerships. Key leadership practices and a framework for convening conversations with potential partners were presented. Motivations for industry, trade associations, and other partners to engage with public health to promote physical activity were discussed, and the importance of using stakeholder relationship management to engage partners was emphasized.


2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (s1) ◽  
pp. S9-S12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Eyler ◽  
Ross Brownson ◽  
Tom Schmid ◽  
Michael Pratt

With increasing evidence of the detrimental effects of physical inactivity, there is interest in enhancing research on policies that may influence physical activity in communities. Given the potential policy impact, a framework that organized and conceptualized policy interventions and priorities for public health efforts to promote physical activity was developed. In addition, the Physical Activity Policy Research Network (PAPRN) was formed as a way to operationalize the contents of the framework. Recommendations for future work in this area include enhancing transdisciplinary collaborations, raising the priority of policy evaluation, studying policies at all levels, and emphasizing dissemination of findings.


2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (6) ◽  
pp. 682-689 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amber Dallman ◽  
Eydie Abercrombie ◽  
Rebecca Drewette-Card ◽  
Maya Mohan ◽  
Michael Ray ◽  
...  

Background:Physical activity has emerged as a vital area of public health. This emerging area of public health practice has created a need to develop practitioners who can address physical activity promotion using population-based approaches. Variations in physical activity practitioners' educations and backgrounds warranted the creation of minimal standards to establish the competencies needed to address physical activity as a public health priority.Methods:The content knowledge of physical activity practitioners tends to fall into 2 separate areas—population-based community health education and individually focused exercise physiology. Competencies reflect the importance of a comprehensive approach to physical activity promotion, including areas of community health while also understanding the physiologic responses occurring at the individual level.Results:Competencies are organized under the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's 5 benchmarks for physical activity and public health practice.Conclusions:The greatest impact on physical activity levels may be realized from a well-trained workforce of practitioners. Utilization of the competencies will enable the physical activity practitioner to provide technical assistance and leadership to promote, implement, and oversee evaluation of physical activity interventions.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marlize De Vivo ◽  
Hayley Mills

Abstract Background The antenatal period is associated with a decline in physical activity among women. Midwives are viewed central to the dissemination of information during pregnancy, however, there is little research relating to their promotion of physical activity. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into midwives’ perspectives of providing physical activity advice and guidance to pregnant women Methods Community midwives (N = 10) from ten randomly selected antenatal clinics in England took part in semi-structured interviews which were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically Results In relation to perceived role and responsibilities in providing physical activity advice and guidance, midwives emphasised the extent to which their profession has evolved, the perceived burden of responsibility, and the tick box approach to physical activity discussion. Midwives identified a lack of training, knowledge, confidence, time, resources, and perceptions of vulnerability as barriers to effective physical activity promotion. Despite these issues midwives proposed eight opportunities to facilitate pregnant women’s physical activity engagement: (1) recognising and addressing barriers in the uptake and maintenance of physical activities, (2) professional development, (3) inter-professional collaboration, (4) communicating effectively through simple, reliable resources, (5) improved access, availability, and awareness of suitable activities in the local community, (6) encouraging a support network, (7) “selling” physical activity by challenging misconceptions and focusing on benefits, and (8) suitable motivation, incentives and reward. Conclusions These opportunities identified by midwives provide foundations from which improvements in practice can result. Whilst midwives are ideally placed to promote physical activity as part of a healthy pregnancy, this is likely to be most effective as part of a wider network of practitioners that share consistent and confident messages regarding physical activity engagement. This notion has far reaching implications for practice, policy, research and the normalisation of active pregnancies in the wider population.


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