How Are Policies Promoting Physical Activity Monitored? Results of a Systematic Review

Messing S, Tcymbal A, Abu-Omar K, Gelius P (2022)

Publication Type: Conference contribution, Abstract of lecture

Publication year: 2022

Series: Why does sociology matter? The role of sport sociology in interdisciplinary research

Conference Proceedings Title: Book of Abstracts

Event location: Tübingen

Abstract

Objectives

While there are numerous efforts to monitor policies that promote health-enhancing behaviours such as

physical activity, the monitoring methods used by international organizations and academic institutions

differ substantially. This study aims to describe the review methods currently in use and discuss potential

benefits and pitfalls of these methods.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in five scientific databases, using variations of the terms “physical

activity”, “policy” and “monitoring”. Two reviewers independently screened 7,604 and included 121 studies

for full text analysis. During full text analysis, information on the methods applied for policy monitoring was

extracted.

Findings

Studies monitoring policies for physical activity promotion at national, regional and local level were

identified, as well as studies with a specific focus on the school and childcare setting. A majority of the

studies utilized an established tool for policy monitoring, e.g. the EU/WHO Physical Activity Monitoring

Framework. Based on the level of government involvement, studies could be broadly classified into

research-driven, government-driven or co-production approaches.

Discussion

Each of the approaches in use to monitor policies for physical activity promotion has certain strengths and

weaknesses. A careful reflection on the different approaches is needed, as it has implications for data

quality, capacity building, and potential policy impact. A question of particular importance is whether (and if

so, to what extent) governments should be involved in policy monitoring.

Conclusion

Raising awareness for the importance of choosing appropriate policy monitoring methods will enable

decision-makers and researchers make informed choices for future monitoring efforts.

Authors with CRIS profile

How to cite

APA:

Messing, S., Tcymbal, A., Abu-Omar, K., & Gelius, P. (2022). How Are Policies Promoting Physical Activity Monitored? Results of a Systematic Review. Paper presentation at 2022 EASS & ISSA World Congress of Sociology of Sport, Tübingen, DE.

MLA:

Messing, Sven, et al. "How Are Policies Promoting Physical Activity Monitored? Results of a Systematic Review." Presented at 2022 EASS & ISSA World Congress of Sociology of Sport, Tübingen 2022.

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