Three types of scientific evidence to inform physical activity policy: results from a comparative scoping review

Alfred Rütten (), Diana Schow, João Breda, Gauden Galea, Sonja Kahlmeier, Jean-Michel Oppert, Hidde Ploeg and Willem Mechelen
Additional contact information
Alfred Rütten: Friedrich Alexander University
Diana Schow: Friedrich Alexander University
João Breda: WHO Regional Office for Europe
Gauden Galea: WHO Regional Office for Europe
Sonja Kahlmeier: University of Zurich
Jean-Michel Oppert: University Pierre et Marie Curie – Paris 6, Pitie-Salpetriere hospital (AP-HP), Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN)
Hidde Ploeg: VU University Medical Center
Willem Mechelen: VU University Medical Center

International Journal of Public Health, 2016, vol. 61, issue 5, No 6, 553-563

Abstract: Abstract Objectives This paper presents a typology of available evidence to inform physical activity policy. It aims to refine the distinction between three types of evidence relating to physical activity and to compare these types for the purpose of clarifying potential research gaps. Methods A scoping review explored the extent, range and nature of three types of physical activity-related evidence available in reviews: (I) health outcomes/risk factors, (II) interventions and (III) policy-making. A six-step qualitative, iterative process with expert consultation guided data coding and analysis in EPPI Reviewer 4. Results 856 Type I reviews, 350 Type II reviews and 40 Type III reviews were identified. Type I reviews heavily focused on obesity issues (18 %). Reviews of a systematic nature were more prominent in the Type II (>50 %). Type III reviews tended to conflate research about policy intervention effectiveness and research about policymaking processes. The majority of reviews came from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. Conclusions Although evidence gaps exist regarding evidence Types I and II, the most prominent gap regards Type III, i.e. research pertaining to physical activity policymaking. The findings presented herein will be used to inform physical activity policy development and future research.

Keywords: Physical activity; Policy; Health promotion; Scoping review; Evidence (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2016
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DOI: 10.1007/s00038-016-0807-y

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