Sporting programs for inactive population groups: factors influencing implementation in the organized sports setting

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sports Management
• Health Promotion

Background:

• Organized sports are increasingly recognized as a setting for promoting health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA).
• Effective implementation and sustained adoption of HEPA programs are crucial for public health impact.
• Understanding the specific factors influencing HEPA program implementation in organized sports settings is vital but under-researched.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the main factors influencing the implementation of HEPA programs within the organized sports sector.
• To identify facilitators and impediments to the successful adoption and continuation of these programs.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study of fourteen Dutch sporting programs (June 2008-June 2011) funded by the National Action Plan for Sport and Exercise (NAPSE).
• Yearly interviews with program coordinators (n=12) and a group meeting with National Sports Federations (NSFs) coordinators (n=8).
• Cross-case comparisons, thematic analyses, and quantitative ranking of factors by program coordinators to identify key facilitators and impediments.

Main Results:

• Implementation success was linked to effective program design and the presence of enthusiastic individuals within sports organizations.
• Key challenges included difficulties in reaching inactive populations and securing the voluntary participation of sports clubs.
• Various factors influenced implementation across six distinct phases.

Conclusions:

• This study identifies critical factors that facilitate and impede the implementation of sporting programs targeting inactive individuals.
• Findings provide valuable insights for sports practitioners and policymakers developing and implementing HEPA initiatives in organized sports.
• Enhanced understanding of implementation contexts can improve the reach and effectiveness of HEPA programs.