Evidencebased physical activity promotion HEPA

Authors: Brian W Martin Sonja Kahlmeier Francesca Racioppi Finn Berggren Mari Miettinen JeanMichel Oppert Harry Rutter Radim Šlachta Mireille van Poppel Jozica Maucec Zakotnik Dirk Meusel Pekka Oja Michael Sjöström

Publish Date: 2006/03/31

Volume: 14, Issue: 2, Pages: 53-57

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Abstract

There has been a worldwide increase in scientific interest in healthenhancing physical activity HEPA The importance of a physically active lifestyle has now been well established both on the individual and on the population level At the same time physical inactivity has become a global problem While sports for all has a long history only a few examples of longterm integrated physical activity promotion strategies have been in place in Europe until recently namely in Finland the Netherlands and England A number of countries have now begun to develop their own activities However there has been a noticeable lack of a platform for sharing the development and implementation of evidencebased policies and strategies In order to fill this gap HEPA Europe the European Network for the Promotion of HealthEnhancing Physical Activity was founded in May 2005 in Gerlev Denmark The goal of the network is to strengthen and support efforts and actions that increase participation in physical activity and improve the conditions favourable to a healthy lifestyle in particular with respect to HEPA The Network is working closely with the WHO Regional Office for Europe http//wwweurowhoint/hepa The network focuses on populationbased approaches for the promotion of HEPA using the bestavailable scientific evidence and is currently implementing its first projects HEPA Europe has established collaboration with EU Commission projects and Agita Mundo Priorities for future work have been defined and interested organisations and institutions have the opportunity to join the network and participate in the process

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