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Understanding how systems approaches to physical activity policy are interpreted and operationalised across national contexts
Harriet Wingfield1, Kanako Kikuchi2, Benjamin Rigby3, Diane Crone4, Katie Shearn1
1: Sheffield Hallam University, United Kingdom; 2: Keio University, Japan; 3: Newcastle University, United Kingdom; 4: Cardiff Metropolitan University, United Kingdom
Purpose Systems approaches are increasingly promoted in international public health policy, including through the WHO Global Action Plan on Physical Activity, to address complex challenges such as physical inactivity and health inequalities. However, there is limited empirical understanding of how these approaches are understood and enacted. This study asks: how are systems approaches within physical activity policy interpreted and operationalised across national contexts?
Methods Semi-structured online interviews will be conducted with 10 national-level policy actors within government or national agencies, working in physical activity policy. Participants will be purposively sampled to capture variation in national approaches. Interviews will explore interpretations of systems approaches, how these are reflected in national policy, and contextual influences on implementation. Interviews will be transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis, supported by review of national physical activity policy documents.
Results Comparative analysis will identify key dimensions shaping national approaches, including governance arrangements, policy framing and cultural contexts. The analysis is expected to illuminate how these dimensions influence the extent to which systems thinking is reflected in policy design and implementation, including whether approaches remain programmatic or address relational dynamics. Insights will inform the development of a preliminary diagnostic framework, which aims to complement existing global surveillance of physical activity policy by providing means to interpret national approaches, highlighting strengths, gaps and opportunities for action.
Conclusions By examining variation across national contexts, this research aims to contribute to context-sensitive understanding of systems approaches and provide insights to support more effective design and implementation of physical activity policy.
