How to promote physical activity in a community: research experiences from the US highlighting different community approaches

Abstract

Much of the research investigating methods for promoting physical activity has occurred on an individual or group level of analysis. Yet, the substantial prevalence of physical inactivity in most developed countries coupled with the public health significance of becoming more regularly active provides a compelling rationale for expanding interventions to higher levels of impact. By targeting the community, the possibility of reaching a greater percentage of the underactive population with potentially lower costs per person becomes more likely. When the target of intervention becomes the community, as opposed to the individual, a shift in the methods by which the physical inactivity problem is both conceptualized and addressed is required. Successful intervention strategies that have occurred at each level of impact (i.e. personal/interpersonal, institutional, environmental, legislative/policy-level) are highlighted. Suggested future directions are summarized.