HOW TO PROMOTE PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY IN A COMMUNITY - RESEARCH EXPERIENCES FROM THE US HIGHLIGHTING DIFFERENT COMMUNITY APPROACHES

Much of the research investigating methods for promoting physical acti vity has occurred on an individual or group level of analysis. Yet, th e substantial prevalence of physical inactivity in most developed coun tries coupled with the public health significance of becoming more reg ularly active provides a compelling rationale for expanding interventi ons to higher levels of impact. By targeting the community, the possib ility of reaching a greater percentage of the underactive population w ith potentially lower costs per person becomes more likely. When the t arget of intervention becomes the community, as opposed to the individ ual, a shift in the methods by which the physical inactivity problem i s both conceptualized and addressed is required. Successful interventi on strategies that have occurred at each level of impact (i.e. persona l/interpersonal, institutional, environmental, legislative/policy-leve l) are highlighted. Suggested future directions are summarized. (C) 19 98 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.