Promoting Physical Activity Policy: The Development of the MOVING Framework

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Policy Science
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Physical inactivity poses a significant global health burden.
• Effective physical activity promotion is a cost-effective strategy for preventing noncommunicable diseases and obesity.
• The MOVING policy framework was developed within the EU Horizon 2020 CO-CREATE project to guide government policy on physical activity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a comprehensive policy framework for promoting physical activity.
• To guide government policy actions aimed at increasing population-level physical activity.
• To provide a tool for monitoring and assessing physical activity promotion policies.

Main Methods:

• A scanning exercise and documentary review of international policy documents were conducted.
• Thematic analysis of key recommendations from policy documents was performed.
• Themes were refined through consultation with physical activity experts.

Main Results:

• The MOVING framework comprises six overarching policy areas: Make opportunities, Offer opportunities, Visualize structures, Implement transport, Normalize communication, and Give training.
• Each area addresses specific settings and strategies for promoting physical activity, including schools, workplaces, communities, and healthcare.
• The framework provides a structured approach to policy development and implementation.

Conclusions:

• The MOVING framework serves as a valuable tool for identifying necessary policy actions to increase physical activity.
• It enables tailoring of interventions to specific populations and contexts.
• The framework assists in assessing the comprehensiveness and effectiveness of physical activity promotion strategies.