National physical activity and sedentary behaviour policies in 76 countries: availability, comprehensiveness, implementation, and effectiveness

Abstract

Background Evidence on current, national physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) policies is limited. We, therefore, analysed availability, comprehensiveness, implementation, and effectiveness of PA and SB policies internationally. Methods In this cross-sectional study, Global Observatory for Physical Activity (GoPA!) Country Contacts from 173 countries were asked to provide data on their national PA and SB policies by completing GoPA! Policy Inventory. Data were collected for 76 countries (response rate = 44%). Results Formal written policies for PA and SB were found in 92% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 86, 98) and 62% (95% CI: 50, 75) of countries, respectively. Sixty-two percent (95% CI: 51, 73) of countries have national PA guidelines, while 40% (95% CI: 29, 52) have SB guidelines. Fifty-two (95% CI: 40, 64) and 11% (95% CI: 3, 19) of countries have quantifiable national targets for PA and SB, respectively. The most represented ministries/departments involved in the promotion of more PA and/or less SB were in the sport (reported by 99% countries; 95% CI: 96, 100), health (97%; 95% CI: 94, 100), education (94%; 95% CI: 88, 100), and recreation and leisure (85%; 95% CI: 71, 99) sectors. The median score (0–10) for the comprehensiveness of PA and SB policies was 4 (95% CI: 4, 5) and 2 (95% CI: 2, 3), respectively. For PA and SB policy implementation it was 6 (95% CI: 5, 6). For the effectiveness of PA and SB policies it was 4 (95% CI: 3, 5) and 3 (95% CI: 2, 4), respectively. PA and SB policies were generally best developed in high-income countries and countries of European and Western-Pacific regions. Conclusions Most of the included countries have PA policies, but their comprehensiveness, implementation, and effectiveness are generally low-to-moderate. SB policies are less available, comprehensive, implemented, and effective than PA policies. PA and SB policies are better developed in high-income countries, compared with low- and lower-middle-income countries, and in countries of European and Western-Pacific regions, compared with other world regions. More investment is needed in development and implementation of comprehensive and effective PA and SB policies, particularly in low- and lower-middle-income countries.

Motivation for Physical Activity: Validation of the Dutch Version of the Physical Activity and Leisure Motivation Scale (PALMS)

“…The World Health Organization recommends that adults accumulate at least 150 min of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week, or undertake at least 75 min of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week [4]. In line with these recommendations, many countries have adopted PA and Sedentary Behavior (SB) recommendations [5][6][7][8]. However, most PA and SB policies have low to moderate effectiveness [6].…”

“…In line with these recommendations, many countries have adopted PA and Sedentary Behavior (SB) recommendations [5][6][7][8]. However, most PA and SB policies have low to moderate effectiveness [6]. Insufficient PA is an important health hazard with high costs to society [9].…”

Eight Investments That Work for Physical Activity

“…5,6 Furthermore, inequities in participation exist by geography, sex, and social gradient. 5 While many countries have developed policies to tackle physical inactivity, 7 global prevalence has remained relatively static over the past 20 years, emphasizing the need for greater investment and cross-sectoral action. 5 In 2018, the WHO published the Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030.…”

Plan Globally and Act Locally for Physical Activity?

“…The Global Observatory for Physical Activity evaluates national physical activity policy, surveillance, and research, and in 2020 surveyed 173 countries on both policy development and implementation. 9 In contrast to a decade ago, most (92%) of the 76 countries that responded now have national plans and policies for physical activity. Many also have published national physical activity guidelines (62%) and have quantifiable national targets for physical activity (52%).…”

“…These policies were predominantly developed in high-income countries, and adaptation and implementation in low-and middle-income countries remains a pressing need. 9 Perhaps more worrisome is a recent study that noted the number of countries adopting physical activity policies fell between 2015 and 2017. 10 Physical activity may be a "flavor of the day" that momentarily catches the attention of national policy makers before slipping back into obscurity.…”