Framework provides guide to increasing physical activity across Scotland

A new framework to increase physical activity across the country has been published by Public Health Scotland.

The publication provides a pragmatic system-based approach to increasing levels of physical activity among the population in Scotland, such as active travel, which can be applied at a national and local level by practitioners and policymakers alike.

The framework is a blueprint which will allow partners to contribute towards the Scottish Government target of a 15% reduction in physical inactivity in Scotland by 2030, mirroring the objectives set by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2018.

It includes a wide range of system-based actions across multiple sectors and settings, including schools, healthcare, transport, urban planning, sport, communities and workplaces, which will allow the necessary changes to be made to help get more people moving actively and lead to more positive health outcomes.

Reflecting on the report, Flora Jackson, Health Improvement Manager at Public Health Scotland, said:

“As the world emerges from the global pandemic, there has never been a more critical time to embark on collaborative action to address physical inactivity.

“A systems-based approach to physical activity moves away from short term interventions that are actioned in isolation, to a place where strategic, evidence based and cross sectoral solutions are implemented.

“This framework is an evidence-based guide to help our partners play an effective role in ensuring Scotland reaches the target of being a more physically active nation by 2030.

“Whether it be walking, wheeling or going for a swim, being physically active is hugely beneficial to improving our physical and mental health and contributes towards the prevention of illness and diseases.”

View an animated video that has been produced to complement the publication of the framework.

Read the published framework ‘A systems-based approach to physical activity in Scotland’