Physical Activity Research, Surveillance, And Policy Trends: Global Observatory For Physical Activity 2015 To 2020

In 2012, the Global Observatory for Physical Activity (GoPA!) was established to monitor physical activity research, surveillance, and policy worldwide. PURPOSE: To determine patterns in global physical activity (PA) research, surveillance, and policy comparing 2015 and 2020 GoPA! data. METHODS: Data was collected using standardized methods in 217 countries. PA research productivity was estimated by comparing the ratio of a country’s total articles over its total population to the ratio of worldwide total articles over worldwide population. The larger the value, the more the country contributed to PA research compared to its proportional share. For PA surveillance, countries were classified as having regular periodic surveillance, a first and most recent survey, one survey, or no surveys. For PA policy, countries were classified as having a standalone PA policy, an NCD plan including PA, or no policy. RESULTS: When comparing the GoPA! 2015 and 2020 indicators by WHO regions, research productivity was equal or better for 87.2% AFRO countries, 90.0% in EMRO, 75.8% in EURO, 75.0% in PAHO, 100% in SEARO, and 61.3% in WPRO. An equal or increased surveillance capacity (reporting same data as in 2015 or new data for the first, most recent, and next surveys) was found for 95.7% AFRO countries, 90.9% in EMRO, 88.7% in EURO, 84.1% in PAHO, 90.1% in SEARO, and 83.0% in WPRO. Equal or increased evidence of national policy (reporting the same data as in 2015 or new data for an NCD plan including physical activity or a standalone plan) was found for 83.0% AFRO countries, 90.9% in EMRO, 71.0% in EURO, 84.1% in PAHO, 100% in SEARO, and 80.6% in WPRO. CONCLUSIONS: The data is consistent with stability in global PA surveillance, policy, and research, with all regions having at least 60% of their countries with equal or better PA surveillance, research productivity, and policy in 2020 compared to 2015. Periodic monitoring is needed to achieve international objectives. Supported by University of California San Diego, USA; Federal University of Pelotas, Brazil; Universidad de los Andes, Colombia.