Abstract
There is growing interest in the promotion of health-enhancing
physical activity (HEPA) among public and private institutions
in different sectors and on all levels. In view of this development
there is a need for evidence-based communication material for
partners to be used in advocacy and for guidance in interventions.
A first base document “Health-Enhancing Physical Activity” was
introduced in 1999 following the example of the Dutch manifesto.
In 2006, the document was thouroghly revised in coordination
with the development of a comparable European document.
Its five parts are: health effects and recommendations, physical
activity behaviour, economic estimates, determinants and interventions
to increase physical activity. The development of
the base document “Muscle-Powered Mobility” was part of a
work package of Switzerland’s National Sports Policy. Specific
reviews were carried out, combining international and national
experiences. The document was structured along the model of the
HEPA base document.
The format of the base documents has been successful in Switzerland
and has contributed to increasing knowledge and understanding
in the field. In order to keep up with the state of the art,
it is necessary to carry out regular reviews and revisions of the
documents.
Martin, B W