Abstract
Effective physical activity messaging plays an important role in the pathway towards changing physical activity behaviour at a population level. The Physical Activity Messaging Framework (PAMF) and Checklist (PAMC) are outputs from a recent modified Delphi study. This sought consensus from an international expert panel on how to aid the creation and evaluation of physical activity messages. In this paper, we (1) present an overview of the various concepts within the PAMF and PAMC, (2) discuss in detail how the PAMF and PAMC can be used to create physical activity messages, plan evaluation of messages, and aid understanding and categorisation of existing messages, and (3) highlight areas for future development and research. If adopted, we propose that the PAMF and PAMC could improve physical activity messaging practice by encouraging evidence-based and target population-focused messages with clearly stated aims and consideration of potential working pathways. They could also enhance the physical activity messaging research base by harmonising key messaging terminologies, improving quality of reporting, and aiding collation and synthesis of the evidence.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 164 |
Pages (from-to) | 1-12 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity |
Volume | 18 |
Issue number | 1 |
Early online date | 19 Dec 2021 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published online - 19 Dec 2021 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:We would like to thank all the participants for offering their time and expertise to be involved in the modified Delphi study that led to the development of PAMF and PAMC, including: Tanya Berry, Flora Jackson, James Steele, Michelle Roberts, David Conroy, David Callaghan and Helen Todd. We would also like to thank the Psychology of Physical Activity students from the University of Edinburgh who developed the excellent example message in Table 2 : ?a little movement for a little mood improvement?. Finally, we would like to thank Dr. Coral Hanson for her guidance on the Delphi method that facilitated the development of the PAMF and PAMC.
Funding Information:
The research that resulted in the PAMF and PAMC was conducted as part of CW’s PhD which is funded by a Principal’s Career Development Scholarship, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. The University Scholarship is unrestricted and played no role in conception, design, and reporting of this study. Paul McCrorie is supported by the Medical Research Council [MC_UU_0022/4] and the Chief Scientist Office [SPHSU19].
Publisher Copyright:
© 2021, The Author(s).
Keywords
- Short Paper
- Exercise
- Campaigns
- Communication
- Guidance
- Principles