Promoting physical activity

Measuring physical activity levels WHY? Document the frequency and distribution of physical activity in defined population groups. Monitor the achievement of physical activity guidelines and population trends Study the relationship between physical activity and health conditions e.g. cardiovascular disease, diabetes etc Determine the amount of physical activity required to influence specific health issues Identify the biological, psychological and environmental factors that influence physical activity Evaluate intervention programs

Subjective and Objective measures Self-report Direct Observation Recall Surveys & questionnaires SOPLAY Pedometers Accelerometers Personal Fitness Tracking Devices Heart Rate Monitors

Promoting physical activity: A settings-based approach As a result of social, environmental and lifestyle changes over many years, it is no longer a requirement to be as physically active as we used to be. Decreasing levels of physical activity in the population, resulting in a detrimental effect on health, is a rising problem for most Westernised countries. Intervention strategies are a way to reduce the levels of inactivity in society and promote involvement in physical activity for all members of the community. One of these strategies is the use of a settings-based approach to health promotion. Possible settings include the home, school, community and workplace.

Evidence suggests that working in a range of settings can reach out to a number of population groups and influence policies and programs. Within a settings-based approach, the choice to be physically active can be made more convenient, easier, safer and more enjoyable through initiatives designed to create an environment supportive of participation in physical activity.

Home settings Why? People spend many hours at home Parents can be active role models How? Have a variety of equipment around the home e.g. cubby house, bicycles, basketball ring, trampoline (these are all associated with physical activity) Put runners in the hallway to remind you to be active. Walk the dog regularly Parents need to provide children with support Restrict children's screen time to a maximum of 2 hours a day for non-educational use

School settings Why? Compared to usual physical activity interventions, school-based physical activity promotion programs are effective especially in terms of targeting adolescent girls. Children who are active in their schooling years are significantly more active in their adult years How? Include playgrounds, courts, grassed areas, goal posts etc. Establish walking paths around the school perimeter for use by the students, family and community Bike sheds at school Extensive range of sports equipment Allow the facilities to be accessible to the community outside school hours Peer-support and after-school activity groups Ensure that all students are involved in 100 minutes of physical activity time

Community settings Why? Broad groups of people mean that a large number of people can be impacted Can be challenging to implement due to the broad range of people. How? Maximise walkability of community streets Parks should include shade, seating and drinking water ‘Come and try’ days provide opportunities for people to try new and different physical activities e.g. community walking event ‘Meet the expert’ days e.g. golf professionals, celebrity athlete Introduce groups or clubs into the community e.g. fishing, gardening Encourage personal challenges, contracts between friends and family e.g. who can get the most steps per day using a pedometer Encourage recreation centres to offer introductory sessions Insert brochures of Australian Physical Activity Guidelines in mailboxes or pigeon holes on a monthly basis

Workplace settings Why? Large percentage of the Australian adult population spends a significant number of waking hours at work and travelling to and from work. How? Put up posters in staff areas about the consequences of inactivity, the health benefits of regular physical activity or how to perform specific exercises such as stretches Provide changing facilities, showers, lockers and exercise facilities. Place signage to promote the use of stairs. Stairwells should be accessible, well lit and with music where possible. Implement lunchtime walking groups Invite guest speakers in to talk about health and fitness Close escalators or lifts for one week Subsidise staff memberships for a gym Discount health insurance with appropriate companies

Mass Media A huge advantage of this is it has the potential to reach large numbers of people. It’s main purpose is to raise awareness and increase peoples motivation to be active. Examples of mass media include: Television broadcasts Radio broadcasts Billboards Print media Commercials at movie cinemas Web-based interactive information

What is an intervention program that could be implemented at school?

Active living programs Search online for some examples of school, community and workplace physical activity intervention programs or initiatives designed to promote active living. Summarise your research. For each setting, answer the following. Provide at least 2 example programs Describe each program, who the target audience is and any evidence collected in relation to the effectiveness of the program to increase physical activity. Consider using a table to summarise your findings