Introduction
As a speech-language pathologist dedicated to improving outcomes for children, understanding the broader context of health and wellness is crucial. The recent research article titled "Policy and Physical Activity" from the Journal of Sport and Health Science highlights the significant role that policy can play in promoting physical activity (PA) among children and adolescents. This blog aims to distill key findings from the research and provide actionable insights for practitioners to enhance their skills and encourage further research.
The Importance of Physical Activity Policies
Globally, physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for mortality, trailing high blood pressure, tobacco use, and high blood glucose. The benefits of physical activity in improving both physical and psychosocial health are well-documented. However, a significant portion of the population, including one-third of adults and four-fifths of adolescents, do not meet the minimum recommendations for PA. This gap imposes a substantial burden on healthcare systems, with 10% of all deaths from non-communicable diseases attributed to physical inactivity.
Key Findings from the Research
The research article brings together three studies that examine the effectiveness of PA policies:
- Chalkley and Milton: They review four fundamental PA policies in England, including national guidelines, setting population goals, surveillance systems, and public education. Their findings suggest significant improvements in national PA policies targeting children and young people.
- Woods et al.: They systematically review evidence from nine policy areas within the school setting that influence PA outcomes. They caution against a "one-size-fits-all" approach and emphasize the need for examining policy implementation to maximize effectiveness.
- An et al.: They synthesize the relationship between state laws governing school physical education (PE) and PA outcomes among students in the US. Their findings indicate that strong PE laws correlate with increased PE attendance and PA participation among students.
Actionable Insights for Practitioners
Based on these findings, here are some actionable insights for practitioners:
- Advocate for Stronger PE Policies: Encourage schools and districts to adopt and implement robust PE policies. Strong PE laws have been shown to increase PE attendance and PA participation among students.
- Promote Public Education: Invest in public education campaigns that highlight the benefits of physical activity. Effective public education can help change social norms and encourage more active lifestyles.
- Utilize Surveillance Systems: Implement and streamline surveillance and health-monitoring systems to track PA levels and outcomes. This data can be invaluable for evaluating the effectiveness of policies and making necessary adjustments.
- Set Realistic Goals: Establish clear, achievable targets for PA at both the population and individual levels. Setting realistic goals can help maintain motivation and track progress over time.
- Customize Interventions: Avoid a "one-size-fits-all" approach. Tailor interventions to meet the specific needs of different populations and settings to maximize their effectiveness.
Encouraging Further Research
While the current evidence base supports the effectiveness of PA policies, there are still gaps that need to be addressed. Future studies should focus on:
- Using objective measures of PE and PA participation.
- Examining the roles that schools and districts play in mediating the effect of state PE laws.
- Conducting long-term evaluations to observe the sustained impact of policies.
Addressing these gaps will provide a more comprehensive understanding of how to effectively implement and sustain PA policies.
Conclusion
Addressing global physical inactivity is a public health priority. The research highlighted in this blog demonstrates the potential of PA policy to positively impact physical activity engagement, particularly among children and adolescents. By advocating for stronger policies, promoting public education, and utilizing surveillance systems, practitioners can play a crucial role in fostering a more active and healthier generation.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Policy and physical activity.
