Adult physical activity (health and wellbeing needs in South Tyneside)

• Public Health England published a robust evidence summary of what works in terms of increasing population level physical activity levels. A summary of their findings is found below.

One to one interventions

• There is strong evidence for the effectiveness of counselling and brief advice in primary care to increase an individual's physical activity. NICE recommends that primary care practitioners identify those who are inactive; deliver programmes of brief advice including follow-up; incorporate brief advice in commissioning; and implement systems to support brief advice. Physical Activity is part of the Royal College of General Practitioners current clinical priorities.

Environment

• Nice recommend that Local Authorities prioritise the creation and maintenance of environments that encourage people to be active. Features of the built environment that can have an impact on physical activity levels include the following:      
  • Location, density and mix of land use
  • Street layout and connectivity
  • Physical access to public services, employment, local fresh food
  • Safety and security
  • Open and green space
  • Affordable and energy-efficient housing
  • Air quality and noise
  • Resilience to extreme weather events
  • Community interaction
  • Transport
• It is therefore key that public health work closely with town and transport planners in ensuring health is part of an areas local plan development.
• There is supportive evidence that physical activity levels are related to the built environment and urban structure, and that altering the environment can encourage greater activity. For example, the probability of obesity is lower in areas where there is land-use mix (ie. the area has a mix of residential, commercial, office and institutional uses), and also where streets are 'pedestrian permeable'. (FPH)
• At street level, walking has been increased in neighbourhoods through the provision of pavements, motor-traffic reduction strategies, better street connectivity and improved perceived neighbourhood safety. At the community level, proximity to and availability of walking trails, parks, and functional greenspaces, playgrounds and recreation areas are associated with more walking. Improving aesthetics and the safety of parks, leisure facilities and open spaces further enhances attendance and use. Furthermore, design of workplaces, stairwells and school playgrounds can affect physical activity levels. Research suggests that physical activity levels can be further enhanced through effective targeted promotional activities to encourage their use. (FPH)

Social Environment

• People are more likely to be active if it is seen as 'normal'. Large, community-wide campaigns have been effective in increasing physical activity, but only when supported by local level community activities.
• Site-specific communications can work well, at key community sites such as workplaces, churches, centres for older people, or schools and community centres. The strongest evidence for this impact comes from signs placed to encourage stair use instead of escalators (NICE, 2008)

Walking and Cycling - Activities of Daily Living

• Recent UK initiatives have shown the effectiveness of town-wide cycling and walking programmes. NICE recommends promoting cycling for transport and recreational purposes, linked to existing national and local initiatives. These should include provision of information, including maps and route signage along with initiatives such as fun rides; recreational and sponsored group rides; school sports promotions; and links with cycle sports events and cycle hire schemes.
• Walking should also be encouraged at community level. For example through linking supportive infrastructure (ie, footpaths and pedestrianised areas) to community-level walking programmes, promotions and events, such as mass participation walking groups, community challenges
• Group led walks