International review of national physical activity policy: A literature review.

S. Schoeppe , A. Bauman and F C Bull

Sydney. NSW Centre for Physical Activity and Health. Report No. CPAH04-0002.

stephanie.schoeppe@gmail.com

The purpose of this report is to develop a framework for physical activity policy and to apply it to national strategic documents. The report defines policy, and specifically policy related to successful physical activity promotion. Thirdly, national physical activity policies from a number of countries are assessed referring to the definition and criteria. The countries are Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Brazil, Scotland, Switzerland, Netherlands, Finland. The assessed countries fulfil most of the criteria, and thus, appear to be models of good practice. Key aspects of approaches taken by the countries studied included consultation with key stakeholders; adoption of individual-oriented as well as environmental focused strategies; proposed action at all governmental tiers; developed coalitions and partnerships within and between the government, NGOs, and the private sector; attempted tointegrate physical activity promotion in other agendas (e.g. in the areas of health, education, transport, environment). However, insufficient approaches exist in terms of process evaluation and monitoring of physical activity policies. Furthermore, there is a lack of role delineation and accountability among partners, and an apparent failure to determine concrete timeframes related to the funding and implementation of single strategies.

Keywords:

central government, cross cultural comparison, development, physical activity, policy, wm

Literature review

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November 14, 2011

December 12, 2011