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Table 5 Messaging recommendations for the new Canadian Physical activity Guidelines for Adults

From: Evidence-informed recommendations for constructing and disseminating messages supplementing the new Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines

Preamble

These recommendations are relevant to all practitioners and organizations communicating the new Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults. These recommendations should be used to create a clear understanding of the new Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults and to construct and to deliver messages that promote achievement of the guidelines.

Recommendations

Target Audience

Messages should target inactive adults who do not enjoy engaging in physical activity or recognize that being active can make you feel good.

Clarification Messages

Clarification messages should a) emphasize that 150 minutes is the minimum for health benefits as opposed to weight loss, b) clearly describe what is meant by strength versus aerobic training and provide examples of each, c) clearly describe and provide examples of what is meant by moderate and vigorous intensity activity, d) convey that physical activity does not have to be traditional gym activities (i.e. running on a treadmill), and e) clarify how to build in activities they enjoy.

Motivational Messages

Motivational messages should a) focus on how good you can feel as a result of following the guidelines, b) emphasize the enjoyment aspect of physical activity such as how to incorporate physical activity into activities that they enjoy such as spending time with friends, c) address self-regulation, and d) close with a call to action emphasizing that adults can get physical activity in many ways.

Examples

    Feel better today!

    Catch up with a friend, take a walk!

    Set your goal, enjoy physical activity your way!

Channels of Dissemination

Messages should be disseminated through formerly inactive peers and through downloadable electronic tools available at partner websites that assist with self-regulation. Avoid the use of cartoons.

  1. Key References
  2. Anderson, E. S., Wojcik, J. R., Winett, R. A., & Williams, D. M. (2006). Social-cognitive determinants of physical activity: The influence of social support, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and self-regulation among participants in a church-based health promotion study. Health Psychology, 25 (4), 510-520.
  3. Berry, T. R., Witcher, C., Holt, N. L., & Plotnikoff., R. C. (2010). A qualitative examination of perceptions of physical activity guidelines and preferences for format. Health Promotion Practice. 11 (6), 908-916.
  4. French, D. P., Sutton, S., Hennings, S. J., Mitchell, J., Wareham, N.J., Griffin, S.,…Kinmouth, A. L. (2005). The importance of affective beliefs and attitudes in the Theory of Planned Behavior: Predicting intention to increase physical activity. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 35 (9), 1824–1848.
  5. Rhodes, R. E., Fiala, B., & Conner, M. (2009). A review and meta-analysis of affective judgments and physical activity in adult populations. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, 38(3), 180-204.
  6. Rhodes, R. E. & Pfaeffi, L. A. (2010). Mediators of physical activity behavior change among adult non-clinical populations: A review update. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. 7(1), 37.
  7. Schwarzer, R. (2008). Modeling health behavior change: How to predict and modify the adoption and maintenance of health behaviors. Applied Psychology, 57(1), 1-29.