Putting Physical Activity on the Policy Agenda

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to outline why physical activity policy is important in terms of promoting population based increases in physical activity. The promotion of physical activity through public policy happens globally and nationally, however to be successful it should also happen at state and local levels. We outline the rationale for the promotion of physical activity and the decrease of inactivity from a public health perspective. The World Health Organization guidelines for physical activity are then presented, followed by current physical activity prevalence rates in Europe and the US. We offer a description of what physical activity policy is and the key criteria for inclusion in order to increase the likelihood of its success. Finally, we present two case studies in relation to physical activity policy from Scotland and Ireland. Throughout we discuss how education and physical education could benefit from such policies, or be hindered by lack of relevant policy.

Keywords:

• physical activity
• policy
• public health
• physical education

Acknowledgments

This paper was presented at the Association Internationale des Ecoles Superieures d'Education Physique [International Association for Physical Education in Higher Education] International Conference hosted by the University of Limerick in June 2011. The main theme of the conference was “Moving People, People Moving” and this paper was presented under the sub-theme of physical activity and health policies: implementation and implications within and beyond school. Professor Mutrie presented the keynote paper “Putting policy firmly on the physical activity agenda” and Dr. Woods provided a response, placing the issues raised in an Irish context. The session was chaired by Mr. Peter Smyth from the Irish Sports Council.