Course overview
This course will provide students with foundational knowledge of population-level interventions to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour. Current trends in physical activity and sedentary behaviour; aetiological, epidemiological and potential mechanistic relationships between physical activity, sedentary behaviour and non-communicable diseases (NCD's); current physical activity guidelines and the evidence base; types, parameters and evaluation of current population-level interventions; situating population-level interventions in the context of the Australian health system.
Course learning outcomes
- Explain the role of sedentary behaviour and physical activity in the aetiology, prevention and management of lifestyle related chronic diseases.
- Identify populations at risk of insufficient physical activity or sedentary behaviour, and assess population characteristics and needs, including the social determinants of health, to inform development of appropriate interventions.
- Relate the benefits and risks of physical activity and apply best practice principals to recommend appropriate levels of physical activity for populations and subgroups.
- Describe in detail population level programs to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour, and describe, and provide examples of, the potential impact of public policy on promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour at population level.
- Apply population level recommendations and guidelines for optimising physical activity and reducing sedentary behaviour throughout lifespan. Plan, organise and evaluate population and community level interventions to increase physical activity levels and reduce sedentary behaviour.
- Discuss the appropriate use (including expected outcomes), strengths and weaknesses of individual and population level intervention to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour.
- Describe the broad structure of the Health system in Australia. Identify agencies, including funding agencies, involved in the promotion of physical activity, and identify potential partners to assist with promotion.