Related Experiment Videos
Environmental and policy interventions to promote physical activity
J F Sallis1, A Bauman, M Pratt
1Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, California 92120, USA.
American Journal of Preventive Medicine
|December 5, 1998
Summary
Environmental and policy interventions show promise for increasing physical activity. Further research and collaboration are needed to develop effective, population-wide strategies for promoting health.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Most adults in industrialized nations do not meet physical activity guidelines, necessitating population-wide interventions.
- Ecological models emphasize the role of physical settings in behavior, making them relevant for physical activity promotion.
- Environmental and policy factors are associated with physical activity levels in both youth and adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing evaluations of environmental and policy interventions aimed at increasing physical activity.
- To propose a model for developing and implementing such interventions.
- To stimulate further research in this critical area of public health.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of seven published evaluations of environmental and policy interventions.
- Analysis of evidence for the effectiveness of different intervention types.
Main Results:
- Signage encouraging stair use demonstrated effectiveness in two studies.
- Limited evidence suggests broad environmental changes can impact physical activity.
- Large-scale policy interventions are currently underway globally.
Conclusions:
- Research on environmental and policy interventions is hindered by a lack of conceptual models and evaluation challenges.
- Collaboration between practitioners and researchers is essential for effective program evaluation.
- Further research is crucial to optimize interventions for increasing physical activity.