scholarly journals 10 years of HEPA Europe: what made it possible and what is the way into the future?

2014 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Global Network ◽  
World Health ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Enabling Factors ◽  
Funding Mechanism ◽  
Conceptual Clarity ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Health Enhancing Physical Activity

HEPA Europe, the European network for the promotion of health-enhancing physical activity, will have its 10th annual meeting in 2014. Membership of the network has grown to 129 institutions from 32 countries. Collaborations have been established with the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Union (EU), Agita Mundo, the global network for physical activity promotion, other regional networks, and the International Society for Physical Activity and Health. Physical activity has moved up on the public agenda; in 2013 the EU Council adopted its first ever Council Recommendation in sport, notably on promoting health-enhancing physical activity, and in 2014 WHO has begun the development of a Physical Activity Strategy for the European region. HEPA Europe has had strong involvement in these developments despite the absence of a long-term funding mechanism, changing priorities within its supporting institutions and difficulties of earlier attempts to establish a European physical activity network. This article reflects on four groups of enabling factors for this development. 1) The time was right: favourable secular developments, products of previous work and the momentum of an international pioneer phase met with windows of opportunity in key institutions. 2) A combination of commitment and conceptual clarity: clearly defined objectives, structures and approaches provided opportunities for individual commitment to blossom. 3) Institutional support: structural attachment to WHO and steady support from a sequence of key institutions was provided. 4) The deliverance of high visibility products: HEPA Europe’s events, its working groups, as well as its tools met with great interest. In Europe, the HEPA network has found a role which is not filled by any other institution and which is increasingly in demand. To meet these growing and changing expectations, HEPA Europe will need to continue evolving. This will take dedicated individuals, supportive member institutions as well as sustainable funding mechanisms.

scholarly journals A systematic overview of institutions and bodies active in physical activity promotion in Europe

2014 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Critical Mass ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Systematic Overview ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Grass Root ◽  
Expert Input ◽  
Health Enhancing Physical Activity

Objectives: Growing interest in physical activity has led to the development of a number of organizations, networks and associations, including grass-root, professional and academic institutions. To maximize relevance and effectiveness of work undertaken in this field, we aimed at developing a systematic overview of institutions active in health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA). Methods: Systematic, purposive weblink-search complemented by expert input; classification by institutional type, main activity and synergy with goals of HEPA Europe, the European network for the promotion of HEPA. Results: Of 127 identified institutions, 42 met the criteria of being European and active in physical activity promotion. 45.3% were NGO/associations, 33.3% were networks, 11.9% WHO units or platforms and 9.5% bodies of the European Commission. Sport was the main topic of 28.6% institutions. Health promotion was represented with 21.4%, physical activity promotion and transport/environment with 19.0% each, disease prevention with 7.2% and nutrition with 4.8%. Seven institutions had a high synergy to HEPA Europe’s goals. Conclusions: The search identified many institutions, networks and initiatives, which 1. reflects the growing interest in and importance of physical activity for a number of stakeholders, 2. provides increased capacity to address this important topic on a European scale and 3. creates a “critical mass” to push the agenda forward into clearer and synergetic directions. Systematically mapping key players is a useful tool for institutions active in an environment with a multitude of actors to ensure that activities provide added value, to avoid duplication and to promote partnership and efficient use of resources.

scholarly journals Measuring capabilities in health and physical activity promotion: a systematic review.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maike Till ◽  
Karim Abu-Omar ◽  
Susanne Ferschl ◽  
Anne Kerstin Reimers ◽  
Peter Gelius
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Scientific Journal ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Actual Behavior ◽  
Structural Factors ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Health Enhancing Physical Activity

Abstract Background: The capability approach by Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum has gained increasing attention in the field of public health. As it combines individual, social and structural factors and shifts the focus of attention from the actual behavior towards available options for health behaviors that people can actually choose from, it may help advance our understanding of complex health issues. Objectives: The aim of this article is to identify and describe tools available to measure capabilities within the context of health, with a specific focus on capabilities for health-enhancing physical activity.Method: We conducted a systematic literature review using 11 databases covering scientific journal articles published in English or German between the years 2000 and 2020 with a focus on capabilities for health or physical activity. Results: We found a total of 51 articles meeting our inclusion criteria. Four articles measured capabilities using qualitative methods, one combined qualitative and quantitative methods, while the rest used quantitative methods. We identified a total 11 different capabilitzy questionnaires, all showing moderate to good validity/reliability. Only one questionnaire and one interview-based tool specifically dealt with capabilities for health enhancing physical activity. Conclusion: Although we were able to identify measurement tools for capabilities in health, this review has shown that there is no generic tool available for the measurement across all population- and age-groups, and tools focusing on physical activity are scarce. However, our results can be used as guide for future projects that aim at measuring capabilities.

scholarly journals Gender Similarities and Differences in Factors Associated with Adolescent Moderate-Vigorous Physical Activity

2009 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 291-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phyllis J. Wenthe ◽  
Kathleen F. Janz ◽  
Stephen M. Levy
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Family Support ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Physical Activity Behavior ◽  
Adolescent Males ◽  
Enabling Factors ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Gender Similarities ◽  
Males And Females

This study investigated the relationship between predisposing, reinforcing, and enabling factors conceptualized within the Youth Physical Activity Promotion Model (YPAP) and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) of adolescent males and females. Specifically, self-efficacy to overcome barriers, enjoyment of physical activity; family support, peer support, perceived school climate, neighborhood safety and access to physical activity were examined. The Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents (PAQ-A) and the Actigraph 7164 were used to obtain three different measures of MVPA in 205 adolescents (102 males, 103 females). Family support emerged as the most significant and consistent factor associated with the MVPA of both adolescent males and females. This relationship was noted even when different methods of measuring MVPA were employed. These findings should increase the confidence of public health officials that family support has the potential to positively alter the physical activity behavior of adolescents.

Evidence-based physical activity promotion - HEPA Europe, the European Network for the Promotion of Health-Enhancing Physical Activity

2006 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 53-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian W. Martin ◽  
Sonja Kahlmeier ◽  
Francesca Racioppi ◽  
Finn Berggren ◽  
Mari Miettinen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
European Network ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Health Enhancing Physical Activity

scholarly journals Re-thinking Physical Activity Promotion during COVID-19 Pandemic: Focus on a 24-hour Day

2021 ◽  
pp. jrheum.201595
Author(s):  
Linda C. Li ◽  
Lynne M. Feehan ◽  
Alison M. Hoens
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
World Health Organization ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
World Health ◽  
States Of Emergency ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
The World ◽  
Canadian Provinces ◽  
Health Organization

On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic. By mid-March, all Canadian provinces and territories declared states of emergency which triggered measures to support the response to the pandemic (1). Some of these measures have posed new barriers for people with arthritis to manage their health and daily activities.

scholarly journals Physical activity promotion in the age of climate change

F1000Research ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 349 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karim Abu-Omar ◽  
Peter Gelius ◽  
Sven Messing
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mass Communication ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
World Health ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Climate Action ◽  
Global Action ◽  
Climate Crisis

The importance of the global climate crisis requires linking physical activity promotion and climate action. This article provides a first overview of interconnections between physical activity promotion and climate action, potential synergies and discrepancies, aiming to stimulate further discussion about this topic. The analysis is based on the World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030 (GAPPA). The GAPPA covers five perspectives that are of particular relevance with respect to potential links with climate policy: (1) Infrastructures supporting active transport, (2) green spaces and recreational/exercise facilities, (3) exercise programs, (4) mass communication campaigns and mass participation events, and (5) training of professionals. Our analysis demonstrates a considerable alignment between strategies for physical activity promotion and efforts for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. However, in some of the areas, this alignment could still be improved. Additionally, more climate-conscious policies, research and surveillance need to be developed in the field of physical activity promotion.

scholarly journals Physical activity promotion in the age of climate change

F1000Research ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 349
Author(s):  
Karim Abu-Omar ◽  
Peter Gelius ◽  
Sven Messing
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mass Communication ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
World Health ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Climate Action ◽  
Global Action ◽  
Climate Crisis

The importance of the global climate crisis requires linking physical activity promotion and climate action. This article provides a first overview of interconnections between physical activity promotion and climate action, potential synergies and discrepancies, aiming to stimulate further discussion about this topic. The analysis is based on the World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030 (GAPPA). The GAPPA covers five perspectives that are of particular relevance with respect to potential links with climate policy: (1) Infrastructures supporting active transport, (2) green spaces and recreational/exercise facilities, (3) exercise programs, (4) mass communication campaigns and mass participation events and (5) training of professionals. Our analysis demonstrates a considerable alignment between strategies for physical activity promotion and efforts for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. However, in some of the areas, this alignment could still be improved. Additionally, more climate-conscious policies, research and surveillance need to be developed in the field of physical activity promotion.

scholarly journals Measuring capabilities in health and physical activity promotion: a systematic review.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maike Till ◽  
Karim Abu-Omar ◽  
Susanne Ferschl ◽  
Anne Kerstin Reimers ◽  
Peter Gelius
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Scientific Journal ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Actual Behavior ◽  
Structural Factors ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Activity Promotion ◽  
Health Enhancing Physical Activity

Abstract Background: The capability approach by Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum has gained increasing attention in the field of public health. As it combines individual, social and structural factors and shifts the focus of attention from the actual behavior towards available options for health behaviors that people can actually choose from, it may help advance our understanding of complex health issues. Objectives: The aim of this article is to identify and describe tools available to measure capabilities within the context of health, with a specific focus on capabilities for health-enhancing physical activity. Method: We conducted a systematic literature review using 11 databases covering scientific journal articles published in English or German between the years 2000 and 2019 with a focus on capabilities for health or physical activity.Results: We found a total of 44 articles meeting our inclusion criteria. Four articles measured capabilities using qualitative methods, one combined qualitative and quantitative methods, while the rest used quantitative methods. We identified a total 11 different capability questionnaires, all showing moderate to good validity/reliability. Only one questionnaire and one interview-based tool specifically dealt with capabilities for health enhancing physical activity.Conclusion: Although we were able to identify measurement tools for capabilities in health, this review has shown that there is no generic tool available for the measurement across all population- and age-groups, and tools focusing on physical activity are scarce. However, our results can be used as guide for future projects that aim at measuring capabilities.

scholarly journals A Rapid Review of Communication Strategies for Physical Activity Guidelines and Physical Activity Promotion: A Review of Worldwide Strategies

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Budzynski-Seymour ◽  
Karen Milton ◽  
Hayley Mills ◽  
Matthew Wade ◽  
Charlie Foster ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Mass Media ◽  
Communication Strategies ◽  
Physical Activity Promotion ◽  
Communication Strategy ◽  
World Health ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Strategy Development ◽  
Regional Office ◽  
Activity Promotion

The health benefits of physically activity (PA) are well documented; therefore, promoting PA and associated guidelines to the population is considered an important task for any government. To support the strategy development for communication of the recently updated PA guidelines, the UK Chief Medical Officers’ (CMO) Expert Panel for Communication was created. To help inform this process a rapid review was performed to identify how other nations may be tackling the communication of their PA guidelines and PA more generally. The rapid review used elements of the Health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) policy audit tool (PAT) created by the World Health Organization (WHO) and investigated all 195 countries. Seventy-seven countries had their own guidelines, 53 used the WHO guidelines (of which 47 used the Regional Office for Africa), and for 65 countries no guidelines could be found. For the communication of PA or PA guidelines, 27 countries used infographics, 56 had government policies/documents, and 11 used a mass media campaign. However only 6 of these communication strategies had been evaluated. Although many countries used infographics, there were no associated evaluations. As such any future communication strategies should incorporate an evaluation of effectiveness. Mass media campaigns had the strongest evidence base, proving to be an effective communication strategy, particularly when incorporating aspects of social marketing. This review provides an insight into what strategies countries worldwide have taken to communicate PA guidelines and PA promotion. These should be carefully considered when deciding how best to communicate and promote PA guidelines.

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