Physical activity promotion by health professionals is a key strategy to increase population physical activity levels. This strategy has been outlined in the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) ‘Global Action Plan on Physical Activity’ (GAPPA), the International Society for Physical Activity and Health’s ‘Eight investments that work for physical activity’, and the Heart Foundation’s ‘Blueprint for an active Australia’.
WHO GAPPA action items outline the need to strengthen pre and post-service training of health professionals to increase their knowledge and skills for an active society (action 1.4); and to implement and strengthen patient assessment and counselling on increasing physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour (action 3.2). These action items are part of a multi-faceted approach to reach a 15% reduction in global prevalence of physical inactivity in adults and adolescents by 2030. In Australia these action items are an urgent priority, with only 16% of Australian health professionals able to describe the physical activity guidelines accurately, potentially limiting their ability to take advantage of physical activity promotion opportunities.
Our intention is that the ASPA Physical Activity in Healthcare SIG will provide a mechanism for a broad range of clinicians (e.g. doctors, nurses, allied health professionals), professionals working in a clinical environment who have the potential to promote physical activity, clinical researchers and policy makers from the Asia-Pacific region to share expertise, experiences and initiatives to address GAPPA action items (1.4 and 3.2). The primary aim of the SIG is to increase physical activity promotion in healthcare within the Asia-Pacific region.
Co-Chairs:
Associate Professor Nicole Freene, University of Canberra
Sjaan Gomersall, The University of Queensland
Contact: gro.ytivitcapsa@aperachtlaeh
Meet our Leadership Team
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View our Terms of Reference here.
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