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The World Health Assembly has adopted the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommended target of achieving a 15% reduction in physical inactivity by 2030. The WHO Global Action Plan on Physical Activity provides a framework for countries to achieve this, using a systems-based approach to address the social and environmental determinants of physical inactivity. Lack of progress in many countries indicates a need to identify new ways of addressing this public health priority. WHO continues to highlight the importance of legislative and regulatory measures within the multicomponent and multisectoral action needed to reduce physical inactivity. Yet research into the role of law for addressing physical inactivity has been limited, in contrast to the legal approaches to other major non-communicable disease risk factors such as smoking and alcohol use. Conceptual frameworks for public health law offer a method for mapping and understanding the determinants, mechanisms and outcomes of law-making for the promotion of physical activity within populations. We describe the development and application of a framework that aligns legal strategies with the WHO Global Plan policy objectives. This new framework the Regulatory Approaches to Movement, Physical Activity, Recreation, Transport and Sport - can help policy-makers to use the untapped potential of legal interventions to support or strengthen a whole-system response for promoting physical activity. The framework illustrates the role of legal interventions to improve physical activity and identifies opportunities for research to advance understanding, implementation and evaluation of legal responses to this issue. Strategies juridiques d'amelioration de l'activite physique au sein des populations L'Assemblee mondiale de la Sante a adopte l'objectif recommande par l'Organisation mondiale de la Sante (OMS) visant a reduire l'inactivite physique de 15% d'ici 2030. L'OMS a elabore un Plan d'action mondial pour l'activite physique, qui propose aux pays des orientations leur permettant d'atteindre cet objectif, grace a une approche systemique qui aborde les determinants sociaux et environnementaux a l'origine de l'inactivite physique. L'absence de progres dans de nombreux pays indique un besoin d'identifier de nouveaux moyens de faire de cet enjeu de sante publique une priorite. LOMS continue a souligner l'importance des mesures legislatives et reglementaires au coeur de l'action multisectorielle a composantes multiples necessaire a la promotion de l'exercice physique. Pourtant, les recherches sur la capacite de la loi a lutter contre l'inactivite physique sont limitees, contrairement aux demarches juridiques entamees vis-a-vis d'autres grands facteurs de risque de maladies non transmissibles, comme la consommation de tabac ou d'alcool. Les cadres theoriques regissant le droit sanitaire offrent des methodes d'analyse et de comprehension des determinants, mecanismes et impacts du travail legislatif sur la promotion de l'activite physique au sein des populations. Dans cet article, nous decrivons le developpement et l'application d'un cadre qui aligne les strategies juridiques sur les objectifs politiques du Plan mondial de l'OMS. Ce cadre inedit - les reglementations relatives au mouvement, a l'activite physique, aux loisirs, au transport et au sport - peut aider les legislateurs a utiliser le potentiel inexploite des interventions legales pour soutenir ou renforcer une reponse globale destinee a encourager l'exercice physique. Il illustre le role des interventions legales visant a ameliorer l'activite physique et identifie les possibilites de recherche en vue de faire progresser la comprehension, la mise en oeuvre et l'evaluation des solutions juridiques apportees a ce probleme. Estrategias legales para mejorar la actividad fisica en las poblaciones La Asamblea Mundial de la Salud ha adoptado el objetivo recomendado por la Organizacion Mundial de la Salud (OMS) de lograr una reduccion del 15% de la inactividad fisica para 2030. El Plan de Accion Mundial de la OMS sobre la Actividad Fisica proporciona un marco para que los paises lo logren, utilizando un enfoque basado en sistemas para abordar los determinantes sociales y ambientales de la inactividad fisica. La falta de progreso en muchos paises indica la necesidad de identificar nuevas formas de abordar esta prioridad de salud publica. La OMS sigue destacando la importancia de las medidas legislativas y reglamentarias dentro de la accion multicomponente y multisectorial necesaria para reducir la inactividad fisica. Sin embargo, la investigacion sobre el papel de la ley para abordar la inactividad fisica ha sido limitada, en contraste con los enfoques legales de otros factores de riesgo de enfermedades no transmisibles importantes, como el tabaquismo y el consumo de alcohol. Los marcos conceptuales del derecho de la salud publica ofrecen un metodo para trazar y comprender los determinantes, mecanismos y resultados de la elaboracion de leyes para la promocion de la actividad fisica en las poblaciones. Describimos el desarrollo y la aplicacion de un marco que alinea las estrategias legales con los objetivos politicos del Plan Global de la OMS. Este nuevo marco -enfoques normativos del movimiento, la actividad fisica, el ocio, el transporte y el deporte- puede ayudar a los responsables politicos a utilizar el potencial sin explotar de las intervenciones legales para apoyar o reforzar una respuesta de todo el sistema para promover la actividad fisica. El marco ilustra el papel de las intervenciones legales para mejorar la actividad fisica e identifica las oportunidades de investigacion para avanzar en la comprension, implementacion y evaluacion de las respuestas legales a este tema., Introduction Physical inactivity--activity below the recommended levels for population health--is a substantial contributor to chronic disease, comorbidity and premature death worldwide (1) and is a life-course problem that tends to [...]

Physical inactivity remains a major contributor to non‐communicable disease globally and in Australia,[sup.1,2] yet efforts to address it in Australia remain fragmented.[sup.3,4] One component of a prevention system for this [...]

Background: The development of policies that promote and enable physical activity (PA) is a global health priority. Laws are an important policy instrument that can enable enduring beneficial outcomes for individuals, organizations, and environments through multiple mechanisms. This article presents a systematic process for mapping laws relevant to PA, which can be used to understand the role of laws as a powerful PA policy lever. Methods: Building on methods used in public health law research, we developed a protocol for scientific mapping of laws influencing the built environment for PA in Australia. The MonQcle online legal research platform was used for data coding, analysis, and presentation. Results: We describe the 10 key stages of legal mapping that we applied to examine state and territory laws that influence walking and cycling in Australia. Conclusions: Law is a neglected element of policy research for PA. There is a need for accessible legal data to drive the design, investment, and implementation of legal interventions to improve population PA. Legal mapping is a first step toward evaluation of such laws for PA. This paper provides a practical case study and guidance for the 10 stages in legal mapping of laws that influence the built environment for PA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The literature on whole of system approaches (WSAs) has been largely theoretical in focus. The Australian Systems Approaches to Physical Activity is a national project designed to contribute a practical implementation focus to such approaches at the population level. Methods: National meetings were convened with federal and state government sector stakeholders to identify physical activity (PA) related policies and programs. Policies and programs were audited to develop an understanding of the existing PA system. A WSA conceptual map for PA was developed using feedback from system stakeholders, existing WSAs, and related work in obesity. Results: Completion of the policy audit has revealed key areas of need regarding policy governance, coordination, financing, and evaluation. An initial WSA conceptual map for Australia has been developed incorporating governance, translation, and advocacy. Stakeholder co-production of an integrated framework for PA and design plans for a community of practice knowledge hub has commenced. Conclusions: In Australia, Australian Systems Approaches to Physical Activity project partners have developed a conceptual whole of systems map that is guiding progress beyond the theoretical to application in the real world: a national PA policy audit, co-production of an integrated PA policy framework, and planning for a PA community of practice knowledge hub. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The value of a systems thinking approach to tackling population physical inactivity is increasingly recognized. This study used conceptual systems thinking to develop a cognitive map for physical activity (PA) influences and intervention points, which informed a standardized approach to the coding and notation of PA-related policies in Australia. Methods: Policies were identified through desktop searches and input from 33 nominated government representatives attending 2 national PA policy workshops. Documents were audited using predefined criteria spanning policy development, strategic approaches to PA, implementation processes, and evaluation. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The audit included 110 policies, mainly led by the health or planning/infrastructure sectors (n = 54, 49%). Most policies purporting to promote PA did so as a cobenefit of another objective that was not focused on PA (n = 63, 57%). An intention to monitor progress was indicated in most (n = 94, 85%); however, fewer than half (n = 52, 47%) contained evaluable goals/actions relevant to PA. Descriptions of resourcing/funding arrangements were generally absent or lacked specific commitment (n = 67, 61%). Conclusions: This study describes current PA-relevant policy in Australia and identifies opportunities for improving coordination, implementation, and evaluation to strengthen a whole-of-system and cross-agency approach to increasing population PA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Although walking is a priority in many strategic plans in Australian cities, there is limited understanding of the statutory components for delivering this. Confusion still exists despite substantial evidence about the built environment elements that promote walking and the availability of tools to assess walkability outcomes. This paper examines the characteristics and components of the legal framework that influence the walkability of built environments in Australian states and territories. Methods: We audited the form and nature of statutory components regulating the design of the built environment and used framework analysis to identify and compare the main statutory instrument/s that address walkability design considerations in each state and territory. Results: Lawmaking for planning may involve the state/territory parliament, executive, ministers, government departments and/or statutory authorities. The state/territory planning Act is the primary legislation that sets out the framework for the prevailing planning systems. Its relevance to walkability arises from its planning objectives, the legal effect it confers to statutory instruments that support the Act's implementation, and any processes or mechanisms to promote high-quality design outcomes. Most states and territories have developed jurisdiction-wide statutory tools that contain relevant design considerations for walking. These instruments influence walkability through objectives set for planning zones and aspects of development, and through criteria established to achieve the goals. Many jurisdictions use a combination of outcome and rules-based standards to achieve desired design objectives. Conclusions: The variability in jurisdictional approaches poses challenges, and raises uncertainty, about the scope and strength of legal support for creating walkable environments at the national level. Future policy surveillance and epidemiological analysis are needed to refine the specifications of laws that influence walking in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Group-based physical activity (PA) in community-based settings represents a promising avenue for promoting healthy ageing, however, lower levels of adherence have been found to be associated with aspects of social disadvantage. Providers are in a key position to provide important insights about strategies to improve adherence, however, few studies have examined their perspectives. In this study, 30 community service providers were interviewed, and 42 older people participated in focus groups to identify actions perceived as effective for promoting adherence to organised PA, with a focus on factors relevant to older people experiencing socio-economic disadvantage, social isolation, living with a disability or from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Data were analysed thematically. Adherence barriers included deteriorating health, lack of belonging and loss of motivation. Helpful strategies for addressing deteriorating health included maintaining programme flexibility, facilitating access to health and other services, and supporting participants to adapt to acquired limitations. Belonging can be fostered by creating positive and inclusive experiences, ensuring safe and stigma-free environments, providing opportunities to forge personal connections and demonstrating care. Motivation may be enhanced by ensuring activities are of interest and functional benefit, programme settings are suitable and appealing, and enjoyment is prioritised. In conclusion, a range of strategies is likely to be necessary to mitigate risks to adherence and support continued participation in organised PA among socially disadvantaged older people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objectives: Participation in physical activity (PA) is low among older adults in developed nations and even lower among several socially disadvantaged groups. This study aimed to identify the actions that can be taken in the promotion, design, and implementation of organized PA programs to improve engagement with socially disadvantaged and underrepresented older people. Research design and methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 30 community service providers and 5 focus groups with 42 older participants in existing PA programs. Data were analyzed thematically, and the PRECEDE-PROCEED model for program planning was used to broadly categorize themes. Results: Helpful strategies for addressing predisposing factors such as social anxiety and lack of confidence included user-centered program design and sensitive, informative messaging and promotion. Key enabling strategies were transport assistance and minimizing fees. Facilitating gentle entry to groups and fostering inclusion and safety were identified as valuable reinforcing strategies. Providers regarded organizational networks as beneficial for facilitating referral and addressing resource constraints. Discussion and implications: A multifactorial approach addressing a range of predisposing, reinforcing, and enabling factors is likely to be necessary to enhance engagement in organized PA by socially disadvantaged and underrepresented older people. Key factors relate to creating a positive sociocultural environment, identifying activities of interest, and enhancing ease of access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active travel is a widely recognised strategy for promoting active living but its co-benefits beyond increasing physical activity, such as broader health, environmental, and social benefits, have rarely been synthesised. We conducted a systematic review to examine the co-benefits of active travel interventions. Following a preregistered protocol (PROSPERO CRD42022359059), we identified 80 studies for the search period from Jan 1, 2000, to Sept 13, 2022. Across studies, there was consistent evidence that active travel interventions offered co-benefits beyond physical activity. Particularly, 25 (71%) of 35 studies favoured improved safety outcomes, 20 (67%) of 30 showed improved health, 17 (85%) of 20 supported economic benefits, 16 (84%) of 19 highlighted improved transport quality, 12 (92%) of 13 showed environmental benefits, and four (80%) of five documented social benefits. Despite the overall low-certainty evidence, mostly limited by the quasi-experimental design and natural-experimental design of many of the studies, active travel interventions offer unique opportunities to engage stakeholders across sectors to jointly address major societal issues, such as physical inactivity, traffic safety, and carbon emissions. This evidence can inform the design, implementation, and evaluation of active travel interventions., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests DS received royalties for a textbook from the publisher Human Kinetics and speaker honoraria for a keynote presentation in Chile; travel funds to teach a methods course at the National Institute of Public Health of Mexico; is an executive board member of the International Society of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity; and is chair of The Council on Environment and Physical Activity. BZ-D received consulting fees from Public Health England. All other authors declare no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an Open Access article under the CC BY 4.0 license. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Background: To meet the World Health Organization goal of reducing physical inactivity by 15% by 2030, a multisectoral system approach is urgently needed to promote physical activity (PA). We report the process of and findings from a codesigned systems mapping project to present determinants of PA in the context of urban New South Wales, Australia., Methods: A participatory conceptual mapping workshop was held in May 2023 with 19 participants working in education, transportation, urban planning, community, health, and sport and recreation. Initial maps were developed and refined using online feedback from the participants. Interviews were conducted with 10 additional policymakers from relevant sectors to further refine the maps., Results: Two systems maps were cocreated, identifying over 100 variables influencing PA and their interconnections. Five settings emerged from the adults' map-social and community, policy, built environment and transportation, health care, and workplace-and 4 for the young people's map-family, school, transportation, and community and environment. The maps share similarities, such as regarding potential drivers within the transportation, community, and built environment sectors; however, the young people's map has a specific focus on the school setting and the adults' map on workplace and health care settings. Interviews with policymakers provided further unique insights into understanding and intervening in the PA system., Conclusions: This codesigned participatory systems mapping process, supplemented by stakeholder interviews, provided a unique opportunity to bring together stakeholders across sectors to understand the complexity within the PA system and begin to identify leverage points for tackling physical inactivity in New South Wales.

Working from home (WfH) has public health implications including changes to physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB). We reviewed published and grey literature for interventions designed to support PA or reduce SB in WfH contexts. From 1355 published and grey literature documents since 2010, we screened 136 eligible documents and extracted ten intervention studies. Interventions designed specifically for WfH were limited and included structured exercise programs, infrastructure (e.g., sit-stand workstations), online behavioral and educational programs, health professional advice and peer support, activity trackers and reminder prompts. Evidence of interventions to improve PA and reduce SB in WfH contexts is emergent but lacking in variety and in utilization of local environments to promote good health. Evidence is needed on the adaptation of existing workplace interventions for home environments and exploration of opportunities to support PA through alternative interventions, such as urban planning and recreational strategies.