A snapshot of physical activity programs targeting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia

Abstract

Issue addressed: Participation in physical activity programs can be an effective strategy to reduce chronic disease risk factors and improve broader social outcomes. Health and social outcomes are worse among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders than non-Indigenous Australians, who represent an important group for culturally specific programs. The extent of current practice in physical activity programs is largely unknown. This study identifies such programs targeting this population group and describes their characteristics. Methods: Bibliographic and Internet searches and snowball sampling identified eligible programs operating between 2012 and 2015 in Australia (phase 1). Program coordinators were contacted to verify sourced information (phase 2). Descriptive characteristics were documented for each program. Results: A total of 110 programs were identified across urban, rural and remote locations within all states and territories. Only 11 programs were located through bibliographic sources; the remainder through Internet searches. The programs aimed to influence physical activity for health or broader social outcomes. Sixty five took place in community settings and most involved multiple sectors such as sport, health and education. Almost all were free for participants and involved Indigenous stakeholders. The majority received Government funding and had commenced within the last decade. More than 20 programs reached over 1000 people each; 14 reached 0-100 participants. Most included process or impact evaluation indicators, typically reflecting their aims. Conclusion: This snapshot provides a comprehensive description of current physical activity program provision for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people across Australia. The majority of programs were only identified through the grey literature. Many programs collect evaluation data, yet this is underrepresented in academic literature.So what? Capturing current practice can inform future efforts to increase the impact of physical activity programs to improve health and social indicators. Targeted, culturally relevant programs are essential to reduce levels of disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

The “ripple effect”: Health and community perceptions of the Indigenous Marathon Program on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait, Australia

“…Interviewees described the positive response to IMP activities and related running participation as being linked to the community being ready to take up such an initiative. Some interviewees reflected on previous government community health initiatives that had achieved increased awareness of chronic disease . This seemed to make IMP, offering a practical way for people to prevent chronic disease, accessible and appealing extending to broader health factors such as diet and mental health, which naturally fit with holistic views of Indigenous health .…”

“…Firstly, respondents indicated that the community had experienced increased levels of readiness for healthy lifestyles in recent years. Interviewees spoke of prior whole‐of‐community initiatives that had raised awareness of chronic disease risk factors including physical activity . This awareness may have meant that when local IMP activities commenced, they were perceived by respondents as a practical way for people to embrace healthy lifestyle activities.…”

“…Interviewees spoke of prior whole-of-community initiatives that had raised awareness of chronic disease risk factors including physical activity. 15 This awareness may have meant that when local IMP activities commenced, they were perceived by respondents as a practical way for people to embrace healthy lifestyle activities. Secondly, interviewees described how it is becoming normal to run and do physical activity on Thursday Island.…”

“…14 However, little is known about the effectiveness of physical activity programs for Torres Strait Islander/Aboriginal people. 13 The Indigenous Marathon Program 15,16 (IMP) is a not-for-profit initiative established in 2010 which uses running and local role models to promote healthy lifestyles in Indigenous communities. Annually, a squad of 12 young Indigenous adults aged 18-30 years are selected to train to run a marathon whilst living in their communities.…”

Bright spots, physical activity investments that work: Indigenous Marathon Foundation

“…Some IMP runners have had physical and mental health challenges, few have previous running experience and are selected on their potential, not as runners, but as leaders. IMF provides training, development and support to build the potential of these young people to become aspiring role models that people in their communities can relate to in order to improve lifestyle risk factors for chronic disease3 and tackle social issues 6…”