Benchmarking physical activity in Europe: lessons from the CO-CREATE project

Oral Presentation B10.4

Authors

  • Margarita Kokkorou World Cancer Research Fund International
  • Kate Oldridge-Turner World Cancer Research Fund International
  • Ioana Vlad World Cancer Research Fund International
  • Diva Fanian World Cancer Research Fund International
  • Knut-Inge Klepp Norwegian Institute for Public Health
  • Arnfinn Helleve Norwegian Institute for Public Health
  • Anne-Siri Fismen Norwegian Institute for Public Health
  • Sonia Malczyk University of Cape Town
  • Gaironeesa Hendricks University of Cape Town
  • Janetta Harbron University of Cape Town
  • Kate Allen World Cancer Research Fund International

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.554

Keywords:

Physical Activity, Policy Design, Non-Communicable Diseases

Abstract

Background: Global research shows a strong link between physical activity levels and the risk of developing non-communicable diseases. To increase physical activity, governments must design and implement a comprehensive set of policy actions. The MOVING benchmarking tool was developed to assess the strength of policies across three domains that make up a comprehensive approach to physical activity policy. Purpose: To assess the status of physical activity policy in five European countries participating in the CO-CREATE project: Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal and the UK. Methods: The MOVING benchmarking tool values the strength of policy design, based on evidence-informed and aspirational policy attributes. Physical activity policies in each participating country were identified based on a comprehensive scan, with a set methodology, and were benchmarked using this tool. Results: The benchmarks assessed the design of policies across the six policy areas of MOVING and identified where there was scope for improvement within each area. For example, all countries developed physical activity guidelines and community initiatives promoting physical activity. The benchmarking process evaluated the design of these policies and allowed a cross-country comparison of their strengths. When comparing the overall policy environment, we found a lack of policies promoting access to green spaces and weaknesses in designing effective physical education. Conclusions: The MOVING benchmarking tool can be used by policymakers, researchers and civil society to inform the development and implementation of policies promoting physical activity. Funding: Funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Kokkorou, M., Oldridge-Turner, K., Vlad, I., Fanian, D., Klepp, K.-I., Helleve, A., Fismen, A.-S., Malczyk, S., Hendricks, G., Harbron, J., & Allen, K. (2021). Benchmarking physical activity in Europe: lessons from the CO-CREATE project: Oral Presentation B10.4. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.554