Article
Theoretical approaches to the promotion of physical activity: Forging a transdisciplinary paradigm

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Abstract

Background: Research in the physical activity promotion arena has focused on the application of theoretical perspectives aimed primarily at personal levels of understanding and analysis. The investigation of such theories has provided some insights related to potentially useful mediators of physical activity behavior. However, to continue to expand this field, new perspectives on personal-level theories, in addition to the exploration of more macro-level conceptual perspectives, are required.

Objective: The purpose of this article is to: (1) briefly review the current strengths and limitations of the personal-level, physical activity-theory literature; and (2) introduce concepts and perspectives from other fields, including the social-ecology and urban-planning fields, of potential relevance to the physical activity arena.

Method: We provide an overview of potentially relevant theoretical perspectives aimed at different levels of understanding and analysis, from the personal level through the broader-scale meso- and macro-environmental perspectives. In addition, we suggest initial steps to take in developing a transdisciplinary paradigm encompassing all such levels of analysis and investigation.

Conclusions: Given the scope of the physical inactivity epidemic facing the U.S. population currently and in the future, methods and approaches that integrate theory and concepts across a broader group of disciplines will be increasingly necessary.

Introduction

Despite the recognized public health and economic benefits of a regularly active nation,1, 2 a significant proportion of the U.S. population—similar to other developed countries—remains irregularly active or sedentary.1, 3 Given this situation, the continued development and expansion of conceptual approaches that can broaden our understanding of factors that potentially influence physical activity participation are increasingly indicated.4, 5 The goals of this article are (1) to briefly review the current strengths and limitations of the personal-level theoretical literature that has traditionally dominated the physical activity behavior field; and (2) to introduce concepts and perspectives from other fields, including the social-ecology and urban-planning fields, of potential relevance to the physical activity promotion arena.

Section snippets

Personal-level theoretical perspectives in the physical activity field

Over the past 2 decades, a burgeoning literature focused on the application of theory to the physical activity field has emerged.6 The vast majority of theories used have focused on the cognitive, affective, and social influences surrounding the individual and his/her choice to be active (i.e., personal-level perspectives).6. Among the most prominent theories that focus primarily on intrapersonal processes (e.g., attitudes, beliefs, and affect) that have received at least some empirical support

The meso- and macro-environments: social-ecologic perspectives

Social-ecologic models of health promotion43, 44, 45, 46 emphasize certain conceptual principles that are pertinent to understanding and influencing physical activity, and include the following:

  • 1.

    Intrapersonal, interpersonal, physical environmental, and sociocultural variables function interactively to promote or hinder individuals’ engagement in physical activity.47

  • 2.

    Environment-behavior relationships are transactional in nature—that is, they are characterized by recurring cycles of

Environmental mediators of physical activity: directions for future research

The theories outlined above identify several environmental factors arrayed at micro, meso, and macro levels that may exert a significant influence on physical activity levels. These factors can be modified by environmental designers and urban planners in ways that encourage (mediate) higher levels of physical activity among community members.29 Examples of environmental factors that constrain or decrease levels of physical activity include: (1) environmental stressors such as residential

The macro-environment: urban planning perspectives

In addition to social-ecologic perspectives, a growing interest has developed in understanding how features of city design can facilitate or impede physical activity. To analyze the relationship between city design and physical activity it makes sense to separate human environments into two types. The first type, which could be termed “car-oriented,” is structured to ensure the safe and efficient movement of cars. The second type, which can be termed “pedestrian-oriented,” is structured to

City design: future directions

The design of American cities changed dramatically after World War II. American cities abandoned their historical development patterns—patterns that were based on pedestrian rather than automobile movement. Because the correlation between physical activity and pedestrian-oriented environments is intrinsic to the features of those environments (i.e., through reducing the need for and convenience of car use), it is reasonable for policymakers concerned with promoting physical activity to look to

Conclusions: toward the development of a transdisciplinary model of physical activity promotion

As evidenced in the previous sections, physical activity researchers can learn much from the different perspectives emanating from fields that, until recently, have developed in isolation from the physical activity field. The types of disciplines and perspectives that potentially have much to contribute to this field are summarized in Figure 1. These theories and perspectives can be placed along a continuum of volitional or personal choice, with those on one end of the continuum (i.e., the

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the comments of Karen Calfas, PhD, and Adrian Bauman, MD, on earlier drafts of this manuscript, as well as the helpful comments of the reviewers.

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