title: Promotion of physical activity in the European region: content analysis of 27 national policy documents.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Over the past years there has been increasing interest in physical activity promotion and the development of appropriate policy. So far, there has been no comprehensive overview of the activities taking place in Europe in this area of public health policy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using different search methods, 49 national policy documents on physical activity promotion were identified. An analysis grid covering key features was developed for the analysis of the 27 documents published in English.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Analysis showed that many general recommendations for policy developments are being followed, for example: general goals were formulated, an implementation plan was included, a timeframe and a responsible body for the implementation was often specified. However, limited evidence for intersectoral collaboration was found. Quantified goals for physical activity were the exception. Population groups most in need such as people with low levels of physical activity were rarely specifically targeted. Most policies emphasized the importance of an evaluation. However, only about half of them indicated a related intention or requirement.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In recent years there has been a noticeable development of national policy documents on physical activity promotion. Following principles for policy development more closely could increase the effectiveness of their preparation and implementation further.
authors.affiliation: WHO Regional Office for Europe, European Centre for Environment and Health, Italy.
authors.forename: Signe B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Daugbjerg
authors.forename: Sonja
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kahlmeier
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Racioppi
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Martin-Diener
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: Pekka
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Oja
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bull
mesh_terms: D015706:Bibliometrics; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D004282:Documentation; D005060:Europe; D006291:Health Policy; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D009043:Motor Activity; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D011050:Policy Making