Supportive Environments for Physical Activity, Community Action and Policy in Eight EU Member States: Comparative Analysis and Specificities of Context

Rütten A, Frahsa A, Engbers L, Gusi N, Mota J, Pacenka R, Troelsen J, Vasikova J, Vuillemin A (2014)

Publication Language: English

Publication Status: Accepted

Publication Type: Journal article, Original article

Publication year: 2014

Journal

Journal of Physical Activity and Health Human Kinetics

Original Authors: Rütten Alfred, Frahsa Annika, Engbers Luuk, Gusi Narcis, Mota Jorge, Pacenka Rimantas, Troelsen Jens, Vasikova Jana, Viuillemin Anne

Publisher: Human Kinetics

Book Volume: 11

Pages Range: 873-883

DOI: 10.1123/jpah.2012-0225

Abstract

Background: A multilevel theoretical framework of physical activity (PA) promotion that addresses supportive environments, PA behavior, community action, and PA promoting policies is related to research and development in an international comparative study. Methods: Most-different and most-similar case selection was applied to data from 8 European Union Member States. Data from semistructured key informant qualitative interviews, focus group interviews with experts and policy-makers, as well as document analysis were linked to corresponding Eurobarometer data. Results: The framework on the interplay of environment, PA behavior, community action and policies appears to be working across most different countries. Comprehensive systems of PA infrastructures are interlinked with relatively high levels of PA prevalence. These countries implement comprehensive national policies on PA promotion and show a positive perception of related local governments’ engagement. Less comprehensive systems of infrastructures interplay with lower levels of PA prevalence, less community action and fewer policies. Differences between similar cases are linked to country-speci c contexts. Conclusions: Framework application and comparative analysis indicates how to relate theory to empirical research and complex data sets. In-depth analysis of country-speci c contexts and longitudinal observation on changes within and between countries might advise on how to integrate the framework into intervention research. 

Authors with CRIS profile

Alfred Rütten Lehrstuhl für Sportwissenschaft mit der Ausrichtung Gesundheitsförderung/Public Health/Sozialwissenschaften des Sports Annika Frahsa Lehrstuhl für Sportwissenschaft mit der Ausrichtung Gesundheitsförderung/Public Health/Sozialwissenschaften des Sports

Involved external institutions

Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research / Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek (TNO) NL Netherlands (NL) Universidad de Extremadura ES Spain (ES) Universidade do Porto PT Portugal (PT) Lithuanian Academy of Physical Education LT Lithuania (LT) University of Southern Denmark / Syddansk Universitet DK Denmark (DK) Palacky University Olomouc / Univerzita Palackého v Olomouci CZ Czech Republic (CZ) University of Nancy FR France (FR)

How to cite

APA:

Rütten, A., Frahsa, A., Engbers, L., Gusi, N., Mota, J., Pacenka, R.,... Vuillemin, A. (2014). Supportive Environments for Physical Activity, Community Action and Policy in Eight EU Member States: Comparative Analysis and Specificities of Context. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 11, 873-883. https://dx.doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2012-0225

MLA:

Rütten, Alfred, et al. "Supportive Environments for Physical Activity, Community Action and Policy in Eight EU Member States: Comparative Analysis and Specificities of Context." Journal of Physical Activity and Health 11 (2014): 873-883.

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