An evidence-based guide to increase physical activity across Australia that translates research into practical recommendations for governments, organisations and communities has been launched.
The fourth edition of the Heart Foundation’s Blueprint for an Active Australia was co-authored by Professor Hayley Christian, from The University of Western Australia's Medical School and The Kids Research Institute Australia, and Dr Matthew (Tepi) Mclaughlin, an Adjunct Research Fellow from UWA's School of Human Sciences.
Regular physical activity supports heart health, physical and mental wellbeing, social connection and healthy ageing. While physical inactivity increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, dementia, some cancers, and musculoskeletal and mental health conditions.
Only 18 per cent of children and young people aged five to 17 meet the recommended levels of aerobic and strengthening activity, while fewer than one-quarter of adults aged 18 to 64 meet the combined national physical activity and sedentary behaviour guidelines.
The blueprint presents evidence and practical recommendations across 12 action areas to improve physical activity for children and young people, older adults, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and other priority populations who face greater barriers to being physically active.
It recognises that physical activity is not solely an individual responsibility. The environments in which people live, learn, work, travel and receive care can make regular movement easier or harder.
Professor Christian's expertise contributed to the actions for built environments, active travel, education and childcare, while Dr Mclaughlin contributed to recommendations for sport and active recreation.
The guide, which was developed in collaboration with 70 leading Australian researchers and practitioners, calls for a comprehensive National Physical Activity Plan to strengthen coordination.
The plan would unite existing national strategies and align the work of every level of government behind shared goals.
Elizabeth Calleja, Senior Advisor Physical Activity at the Heart Foundation, said the blueprint examined the policies, environments and systems that influence how regularly people undertake physical activity to see what could be improved.
“We already know a great deal about what supports physical activity,” Ms Calleja said. “The opportunity is to translate that evidence into action, building on what is already working and strengthening collaboration across sectors.”