National updated physical activity recommendations: Promoting science-based information in a consumer-friendly way

Becky Payne, MPH¹, Lisa Shusterman Wolff, MA², Judith A. McDivitt, PhD¹, and Carrie Heitzler, MPH¹. (1) Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy, M/S K46, Atlanta, GA 30341, (404) 639-3707, rco0@cdc.gov, (2) Porter Novelli, 1909 K Street, NW, Washington, DC 20006

In 1995, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and The American College of Sports Medicine developed recommendations on how much physical activity American adults should get. Since then, new science has emerged to further clarify the importance of physical activity for health. Currently, CDC and ACSM are collaborating to update and re-publish the original physical activity recommendations. While the key points are not changing, the updated recommendations will be more specific and understandable, and contain the latest scientific information that has emerged since the original publication of the recommendations.

With today’s cluttered media environment, the public is bombarded with numerous health messages, including multiple sets of physical activity recommendations. Therefore, it will be critical to ensure that these updated recommendations are perceived as understandable, science-based, and attainable. To this end, the CDC sponsored a qualitative research study to explore the public’s awareness of physical activity recommendations, their reactions to the updated recommendations, and the factors that could influence their exposure, understanding, and knowledge of the recommendations. The twelve focus groups were stratified by age, gender, and knowledge level of physical activity recommendations.

Findings revealed that the general public was not aware of physical activity recommendations developed by the government or other organizations. While participants were open to government-sponsored recommendations, they preferred an emphasis on flexibility, personal choice, and responsibility. The relationship between disease prevention and physical activity was also considered a salient theme for many participants, but not among those who have a personal experience with chronic conditions.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

1. Analyze the general public’s current perceptions and awareness of the recommended levels of physical activity and their attitudes towards government-sponsored recommendations.
2. Identify the salient messages that people perceive as providing them with clear, practical information on the recommended levels and intensity of physical activity American adults should be doing.
3. Describe the issues public health professionals could encounter when translating scientific recommendations into communication strategy and planning.

Keywords: Physical Activity, Communication

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Promoting Good Nutrition and Physical Activity

The 132nd Annual Meeting (November 6-10, 2004) of APHA