The NIHR Review Reveals Evidence on How to Increase Physical Activity in Everyday Life

Physical activity is important for physical and mental well-being and for maintaining social bonds. This thematic study, Moving Matters, brings together more than 50 published and ongoing studies, funded by the National Institute of Health Research (IRDH), on ways to increase physical activity in life daily. This review takes into account the changing needs and opportunities of different age groups from early childhood, as well as interventions in the workplace and in natural and built environments.

"Examination of evidence of physical activity by the NHRI will be a valuable tool for anyone working in practice or policies. Evidence should be one of the building blocks of any They help decision makers determine what works and what does not, what needs to be controlled and prioritized, and (just as important) what should be stopped. "Sarah Ruane, Strategic Health Officer, Sport England.

"The importance of physical activity for many aspects of physical and mental health and mental well-being is well understood.This report shows the depth and breadth of this understanding and encourages us. to think about how to work with people and places in order to achieve the best possible impact.

Walking and cycling are among the best ways for many people to incorporate physical activity into their lives. Ongoing work is expected to emphasize the link between helping people to walk and cycle locally, strengthening social bonds, reducing isolation, improving local amenities and promoting access to jobs and services. "

Dr. Andy Cope, Director of Insight at Sustrans

This review highlights that there is no single solution and that what helps us to become and stay active depends on our identity, our environment and our social and cultural context in the broad sense. But we know something about what works from this evidence, which focuses on high quality research. In the past, we have often relied on small studies with people reporting their own activity rather than using objective measures of change. This review highlights an important and growing database to help decision makers.

The findings of the NHRI review include:

• Community organizations and decision-makers need to consider all the ways people can be active and the diversity of factors that change their habits and behaviors, and avoid seeing physical activity solely in terms of sport and life. 39; exercise.
• The most important and long-lasting benefits, especially for the least active today, are likely to come from a growing daily business. Promising interventions include improving public and active transportation opportunities, improving access to green spaces and recreation facilities, and changing school and work routines to reduce time. seated.
• Programs tailored to particular individuals and groups can also be effective, such as a weight loss program run by football clubs and an education program designed to help people at risk for diabetes. to walk more. Common features of many successful programs include: encouraging people to use a calendar or pedometer to monitor their physical activity, increase activity gradually, set goals, and make the activity fun and sociable.
• Beyond the direct physical benefits, interventions to help people become more active can have many benefits such as improving welfare and social cohesion, reducing traffic with more streets. safe and less polluting and open spaces more enjoyable.
• Further research is needed to tailor interventions to particular groups that may be less active, whether due to social and cultural norms, difficulty in accessing expenditures or spending opportunities, or other reasons. a change in their living conditions.