Where next for the design, delivery and evaluation of community-based physical activity prescription? Emerging lessons from the United Kingdom

Oliver, Emily; Buckley, Benjamin; Dodd-Reynolds, Caroline; Downey, John; Hanson, Coral; Henderson, Hannah; Hawkins, Jemma; Steele, James; Wade, Matthew; Watson, Paula

Abstract

Despite widespread use, community-based physical activity prescription is controversial. Data limitations have resulted in a lack of clarity about what works, under what circumstances, and for whom, reflected in conservative policy recommendations. In this commentary we challenge a predominantly negative discourse, using contemporary research to highlight promising findings and ‘lessons learnt’ for design, delivery, and evaluation. In doing so, we argue for the importance of a more nuanced approach to future commissioning and evaluation.

Citation

Oliver, E., Buckley, B., Dodd-Reynolds, C., Downey, J., Hanson, C., Henderson, H., Hawkins, J., Steele, J., Wade, M., & Watson, P. (2021). Where next for the design, delivery and evaluation of community-based physical activity prescription? Emerging lessons from the United Kingdom. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism, 46(11), 1430-1434. https://doi.org/10.1139/apnm-2021-0101

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jul 19, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Jul 29, 2021
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Deposit Date: Jul 21, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 29, 2021
• Journal: Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism
• Print ISSN: 1715-5312
• Electronic ISSN: 1715-5320
• Publisher: NRC Research Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 46
• Issue: 11
• Pages: 1430-1434
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1139/apnm-2021-0101
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2788213
• Publisher URL: https://cdnsciencepub.com/journal/apnm