National Consultations on Physical Activity Guidelines

PARC Symposium

March 22, 2011

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Background

• Canada’s Physical Activity Guides, developed in partnership with the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP), distributed since 1998

• Evidence review and scientific consensus process led by CSEP, funded by PHAC, completed in 2010

• Release of WHO Global Recommendations on Physical Activity and Health in 2010

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ConsultationsFace-to-face roundtablesWho? • Over 130 participants, representing PT governments, professional

associations, non-governmental organizations

Where? • 8 roundtable sessions across Canada (Ottawa, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto,

Halifax)

Why?• Inform content updates for physical activity guidelines

• CSEP’s proposed wording• Additional related content

• Suggest how best to communicate the PAGs to Canadians• To whom?• How?

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ConsultationsOnline questionnaireWho? • 824 responses (734 English, 90 French)

Sought input on:• Current guides• Additional content• International alignment• Priority target audiences (intermediaries, general public)• Information sources, content, format

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Key Findings• Plain language (“Simple can’t be simple enough”)

• Policy development / systems change (“Guidelines alone aren’t enough to inspire behaviour change”)

• Role of PHAC and other stakeholder organizations (PHAC as “convenor”)

• Cultural relevance (“One-size fits all approach doesn’t work”)

• Communication vehicles and channels (A mix of traditional outreach and novel approaches)

• Integration into “daily routine” and the importance of “fun”

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Key Findings

Priority “intermediary” groups:• Schools• Health professionals

Others:• Governments• Workplaces• Community organizations• Non-governmental organizations

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Key findings

Priority population groups from general public

1st response 2nd response

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Key Findings

Physical activity information sources• Google• Internet• PHAC• Non-governmental organizations• Fitness leaders/centres

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Key Findings

Communicating with 5-17 year olds

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Key Findings

Communicating with 18-64 year olds

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Key Findings

Communicating with 65+ year olds

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Updates / Next Steps• Updated information and tips on PHAC website

– Links to guidelines on CSEP’s website

• Consultation reports:– Roundtable reports sent to participants (Fall 2010)– Online consultation summary sent to participants (Winter

2011)– Synthesis report to be posted on PHAC website (Spring 2011)

• Exploring options for resource/tool development

• Ongoing support for research in gap areas– Preschool-aged children (0-5 years)– People with disabilities– Pregnant women– Sedentary behaviour– Physical activity and weight loss

Comments? Questions?

Sophie SommererSenior Policy AnalystHealthy Living Unit, Centre for Health PromotionPublic Health Agency of Canadasophie.sommerer@phac-aspc.gc.ca

For more information, visit www.publichealth.gc.ca