Whole of community physical activity interventions: easier said than done.

Abstract

To reflect on whole community intervention approaches to promoting physical activity, using experiences from the 10,000 Steps Rockhampton project. Many studies are quasi-experimental with single site intervention and comparison communities. Whole communities. Coordinated multiple strategies designed to address individual, interpersonal and environmental determinants of physical activity. Physical activity There are many challenges to conducting whole community interventions. Developing community partnerships and coalitions, reaching socially disadvantaged groups, and developing effective evaluation methods are identified as specific concerns. Despite the challenges, the whole community approach still offers tremendous potential for developing the social and cultural change which will be required for sustained improvements in population physical activity.