A conceptual primer on the potential of adaptive policies to reduce physical inactivity

Milton, Karen ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0506-2214, Rutter, Harry, Koorts, Harriet and Garcia, Leandro (2024) A conceptual primer on the potential of adaptive policies to reduce physical inactivity. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 21 (9). pp. 872-878. ISSN 1543-3080

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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.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: archetypes,health promotion,policy,systems,epidemiology,orthopedics and sports medicine,physical therapy, sports therapy and rehabilitation,public health, environmental and occupational health ,/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/2700/2713
Faculty \ School: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
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Depositing User: LivePure Connector
Date Deposited: 30 Aug 2024 09:30
Last Modified: 05 Nov 2024 10:30
URI: https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/96400
DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2023-0585

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