Promotion of Physical Activity in the European Region: Content Analysis of 27 National Policy Documents
- 1 November 2009
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Human Kinetics in Journal of Physical Activity & Health
- Vol. 6 (6), 805-817
- https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.6.6.805
Abstract
Over the past years there has been increasing interest in physical activity promotion and the development of appropriate policy. So far, there has been no comprehensive overview of the activities taking place in Europe in this area of public health policy. Using different search methods, 49 national policy documents on physical activity promotion were identified. An analysis grid covering key features was developed for the analysis of the 27 documents published in English. Analysis showed that many general recommendations for policy developments are being followed, for example: general goals were formulated, an implementation plan was included, a timeframe and a responsible body for the implementation was often specified. However, limited evidence for intersectoral collaboration was found. Quantified goals for physical activity were the exception. Population groups most in need such as people with low levels of physical activity were rarely specifically targeted. Most policies emphasized the importance of an evaluation. However, only about half of them indicated a related intention or requirement. In recent years there has been a noticeable development of national policy documents on physical activity promotion. Following principles for policy development more closely could increase the effectiveness of their preparation and implementation further.Keywords
This publication has 5 references indexed in Scilit:
- Physical Activity and Public HealthMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2007
- Inferring Strategies for Disseminating Physical Activity Policies, Programs, and Practices from the Successes of Tobacco ControlAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2006
- Multi-sectoral health promotion and public health: the role of evidenceJournal of Public Health, 2006
- Evidence-based physical activity promotion - HEPA Europe, the European Network for the Promotion of Health-Enhancing Physical ActivityJournal of Public Health, 2006
- Graffiti, greenery, and obesity in adults: secondary analysis of European cross sectional surveyBMJ, 2005