From Physical Activity Guidelines to a National Activity Plan

Abstract

The U.S. National Physical Activity Plan (NPAP) is a comprehensive strategic plan aimed at increasing physical activity levels in all segments of the American population. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the development of the NPAP, provide an update on the status of the NPAP, and comment on the future of the NPAP. The NPAP was released in May 2010 and was designed to complement the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. Since then, a nonprofit corporation, the National Physical Activity Plan Alliance, has been established to oversee all elements of the NPAP and efforts have been made to evaluate awareness and impact of the NPAP. Also, several key strategic partnerships have been formalized. The long-term success of the NPAP will require progress in several key areas. First, the NPAP's recommendations must remain current with the state of physical activity science and practice. Second, efforts must be undertaken to improve communications about the benefits of physical activity to policy makers and the American public. Third, efforts to support implementation of the NPAP's recommendations by organizations such as SHAPE America and its members must continue.