A Conceptual Primer on the Potential of Adaptive Policies to Reduce Physical Inactivity

Author:

Milton Karen1ORCID,Rutter Harry2ORCID,Koorts Harriet3ORCID,Garcia Leandro4ORCID

Affiliation:

1. Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Norwich, United Kingdom

2. Department of Social and Policy Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom

3. School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), Deakin University, Burwood, VIC, Australia

4. School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom

Abstract

Background: Despite the existence of physical activity policies across many countries, insufficient physical activity remains a major global public health problem. Physical inactivity is an emergent feature of complex systems; it results from a wide range of factors at multiple levels that interact to influence behavior. Traditional approaches to public policy often fail within complex systems, largely due to unpredictability in how the system will respond. Adaptive policies, which are designed to allow for uncertainty about future system behavior and to change over time, may offer a promising solution. In this paper, we introduce the concept of adaptive policies and illustrate how this innovative approach to policy making may be beneficial for reducing physical inactivity. Design: Drawing on existing literature and guiding principles for policy making, we provide 3 examples to illustrate how the concept of adaptive policies can be applied to address physical inactivity. Discussion: The examples illustrate how changes to the way policies and interventions are developed, implemented, and evaluated could help to overcome some of the limitations in existing practices. A key challenge will be engaging policymakers to take a broader perspective of the physical activity system, develop policies that are designed to be adaptable across a range of different future scenarios, and embrace uncertainty and long-term adaptability. Conclusion: Adaptive policies may support decision makers globally to achieve the widespread and sustained changes necessary to increase population levels of physical activity.

Publisher

Human Kinetics

Reference33 articles.

1. WHO Guidelines on Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour,2020

2. Global status report on physical activity,2022

3. Worldwide trends in insufficient physical activity from 2001 to 2016: a pooled analysis of 358 population-based surveys with 1·9 million participants;Guthold R,2018

4. Effect of physical inactivity on major non-communicable diseases worldwide: an analysis of burden of disease and life expectancy;Lee IM,2012

5. The application of systems thinking in health: why use systems thinking?;Peters DH,2014

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