Physical activity-the past, present and potential future: a state-of-the-art review

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Policy
• Exercise Science

Background:

• Physical activity (PA) research has evolved from a biomedical paradigm since the 1950s, establishing a robust link between PA and positive health outcomes.
• Current understanding recognizes PA as a multi-sectoral issue requiring collaborative solutions across transport, urban design, and sport sectors, yielding individual and societal benefits.
• A significant disconnect exists between PA interventions, policy implementation, and practice, potentially due to limited cross-sector collaboration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a state-of-the-art review of historical developments, current approaches, and future directions in physical activity (PA) research, practice, and policy.
• To identify barriers and propose solutions for advancing PA promotion and policy implementation.
• To emphasize the need for politically informed strategies in PA research and action.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review synthesizing historical PA research, current intervention strategies, and policy frameworks.
• Analysis of the interplay between public and private sectors in PA initiatives.
• Examination of policy instruments used in PA promotion, distinguishing between 'soft' and 'hard' approaches.

Main Results:

• Despite strong evidence linking PA to health, a gap persists between research, intervention design, and real-world policy and practice.
• Existing PA policy implementation has predominantly utilized 'soft' policy instruments (e.g., communication) over 'hard' ones (e.g., fiscal measures).
• Limited cross-sector collaboration hinders the effective translation of PA research into scalable interventions and policies.

Conclusions:

• Future progress in PA promotion necessitates a shift from efficacy-focused trials to complex, real-world, politically informed, multi-sectoral strategies.
• Incorporating public policy considerations into PA program design is crucial to navigate political constraints.
• A call to action is issued to enhance the understanding and application of political science principles in PA research and policy for effective action.