Physical Activity Experiences of People with Multiple Sclerosis during the COVID-19 Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, government and health officials introduced measures such as social distancing and facility closures that amplified barriers to physical activity. Certain groups, including people with multiple sclerosis (MS), have been underserved during the pandemic. In this qualitative study we aimed to: (1) explore the physical activity experiences of people with MS during the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) identify the facilitators and barriers to physical activity during COVID-19 for people with MS; and (3) make recommendations for inclusive physical activity policy and programming. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 11 adults (9 women) with MS during January and February 2021. Following an inductive thematic analysis, three themes were developed: (1) changing opportunities and adapting to new opportunities; (2) social isolation and physical activity; and (3) adapting physical activity to stay safe from COVID-19. Common facilitators identified included having knowledge and resources to adapt activities, social connections, and access to outdoor recreation opportunities. Identified barriers included fear and anxiety related to the spread of the virus, a loss of in-person activity options, and the closure of physical activity spaces. Online and at-home opportunities for physical activity were a valued and accessible way to address barriers to physical activity for people with MS, and should be maintained post-pandemic while considering flexibility to accommodate variable support needs.

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

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

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

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

State of a State: Results From the Wyoming Physical Education and Physical Activity Policy Survey

Purpose: To examine Wyoming physical education (PE) and physical activity (PA) policy and report current district-, school-, and classroom-level data. Method: A total of 175 public preK-12 PE teachers completed the 30-item Wyoming PE and PA Policy survey in April 2021. Results: Participants reported PE offered in elementary school was 73.1 (±34.3) min/week over 1.96 (±0.720) days, middle school 161.2 (±68.2) min/week over 3.13 (±1.29) days, and 229.8 (±85.3) min/week over 3.79 (±1.34) days in high school. Weekly recess minutes averaged 152.75 (±51.21). Recess was withheld as punishment in 51.8% of schools. About 10.2% of students earn PE credits for non-PE activities. Students earn online outsourced PE credits online in 12.5% of schools. Conclusions: PE in Wyoming schools is offered less than half the recommended weekly minutes, while recess is offered considerably more than the recommended amount.

American Kinesiology Association’s Role in Promoting School Physical Activity Policy

This paper reviews the authors’ evolution as kinesiology scholars to a public health focus via their research on school physical activity (PA) and policy. The authors present key findings from their work, including their recent focus group discussion with 20 school leaders, to substantiate their perspectives about the role that the American Kinesiology Association could play in supporting public health goals and promoting school PA policy. The authors conclude the paper by appealing to American Kinesiology Association to clearly identify PA and its promotion as a central area of study in kinesiology, strengthen its ties to public health, and advocate for putting the “physical” back in the National Physical Education Standards.