Lithuanian Sports University e-Journals
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KEYNOTE 3. Race to the Finish: Our Evolving Understanding of the Role of Active Mobility for a Sustainable Future
Full text linkFrancesca Racioppi is the Head of the World Health Organization European Centre for Environment and Health in Bonn, Germany. Francesca has more than 30 years of international experience in environment and health policies and science. Her work experience includes sustainable and healthy transport and urban policies and interventions, the promotion of ‘health in all policies’ approaches, climate change, One Health, health impact assessment, violence and injury prevention, and consumer safety. In 2018 she was awarded a Honorary Doctorate by The Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences in Stockholm, Sweden, for her leading engagement in environmental health and active transport
An Evaluation of the Impact of a New Walking and Cycling Bridge on Active Travel, Wellbeing, and Transport in Glasgow, UK
Full text linkPurpose: Environments can be designed to be health enhancing. The Govan–Partick Bridge, a new major walking and cycling river bridge in Glasgow (UK), aims to promote active travel, reduce motorised transport and contribute to Glasgow’s net-zero climate goals. A comprehensive two-year evaluation is underway to assess the bridge’s impact on active travel, wellbeing, and transport. This study explores users’ early experiences and how the bridge has influenced their physical activity, wellbeing, and travel behaviour in the initial weeks after opening.
Methods: The Govan–Partick Bridge opened on 7th September 2024, with baseline intercept surveys conducted in September and October 2024, and with 12-month and 2-year follow-ups planned. In-person intercept surveys were administered to bridge users via fieldworkers with tablets, gathering data on demographics, transport modes, reasons for use, and its impact on physical activity, wellbeing, and transport. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.
Results: Baseline intercept surveys were conducted with n = 690 respondents (51% male, 77% car owners). When surveyed, 93% of respondents were walking, with 69% reporting their journey was for recreation and 10% for commuting to/from work. Almost two-thirds (64%) stated that the bridge’s opening helped them increase their regular physical activity, for 50% of respondents their wellbeing had improved and for 74% their overall satisfaction with life increased. Respondents reported that if the bridge did not exist, 83% would have used a non-active mode or would not have made the journey. The bridge most frequently provided access to tourist/visitor attractions (67%), retail (36%), greenspace (25%), workplace (20%), and family or friends (20%). The most common factors influencing bridge use was liking the surroundings, getting exercise, improving wellbeing, and feeling safe. Overall sentiment was highly positive, with 78% stating they would ‘very likely’ recommend the route.
Conclusion: Initial findings suggest that investments in this type of infrastructure can increase physical activity, encourage active travel, enhance wellbeing, improve access to services, and have positive public reception. The evaluation will triangulate data from mobile phone sensors, resident surveys, counters, observations, and ‘go-along’ interviews to assess the comprehensive and longer-term impact of the bridge as it embeds into the community.
Support/Funding Source: Natural Environment Research Counci
Are National Physical Activity Guidelines Being Utilised in Local Government Policies? – A Survey on Awareness and Use of the Physical Activity Guidelines in Japan
Full text linkPurpose: In January 2024, Japan released revised physical activity guidelines for the first time in a decade: the Physical Activity Guide for Health Promotion 2023. Guidelines alone rarely induce population-level behavioural change. Thus, increased awareness and active utilisation among policymakers and professionals involved in physical activity promotion are crucial. The national health policy “Health Japan 21 (the Third Term)” was also updated, prompting local health plan revisions. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness of the new guidelines and the extent to which they were utilised in the development of local plans at the prefectural level.
Methods: This study was conducted from February to April 2025. Surveys were sent to health departments in all 47 Japanese prefectures responsible for Health Japan 21 (the Third Term). The survey inquired whether, during the formulation of physical activity-related goals and strategies, they: (1) were aware of the 2023 guidelines; (2) referred to them during local plan development; (3) which specific sections they referenced; and (4) implemented measures, such as providing information, to promote awareness and utilisation among municipalities and related organisations. Responses were collected online, by mail, or email.
Results: Out of the 47 prefectures, 38 responded (response rate: 80.9%). Of these, 30 (78.9%) reported being aware of the 2023 guidelines during plan development. Seventeen prefectures (44.7%) indicated that they referred to the guidelines. The most frequently referenced sections included the ‘Goals of Physical Activity in Health Japan 21 (the Third Term)’ (94.1%), and ‘Recommendations for Adults and Older Adults’ (82.4%). Additionally, 30 prefectures (78.9%) reported implementing initiatives to promote the guidelines among municipalities and related organisations.
Conclusion: Most prefectural health departments in Japan were aware of the revised physical activity guidelines, and approximately 80% had implemented efforts to promote their use. Though improved by 15% from a 2016 survey, the proportion of prefectures referencing the guidelines remained below 50%. These findings highlight the need for further strategies to enhance guideline utilisation in policy development and dissemination, including future integration into sectors such as urban planning.
Support/Funding Source: This study was supported by the Health and Labour Sciences Research Grant (JPMH22FA1004
Associations of Occupational and Leisure-Time Physical Activity With Tobacco Smoking and Dual Use of E-Cigarettes Among Adults – A Representative Cross-Sectional Survey in Germany
Full text linkBackground: High levels of occupational physical activity (OPA) may have adverse health effects and are associated with a higher prevalence of smoking. On the other hand, leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) has beneficial health effects, increases cardiorespiratory fitness, and is associated with a lower smoking prevalence. However, evidence on the associations between OPA, LTPA, and smoking behaviour – especially regarding tobacco, e-cigarette use, and their dual use – remains limited in the German adult population.
Methods: We used data from GEDA 2019/2020-EHIS, a representative cross-sectional survey of the German adult population conducted by structured computer-assisted telephone interviews. Questions on physical activity and smoking behaviour were based on the European Health Interview Survey (EHIS) questionnaire. Multinomial and binary logistic regressions were used to assess associations between OPA (very/moderately/not active = reference), LTPA (very/moderately/low/not active = ref.) and their interaction effect with smoking behaviour (tobacco smoking status (current/ex/never = ref.) and cigarettes smoked per day for tobacco cigarettes (<10 = ref/10–20/>20) and the dual use with e-cigarettes (dual use/single tobacco smoker = ref.), adjusted for age, gender, education, and income.
Results: Overall, 22,708 people aged ≥18 years responded. Very active OPA was associated with a higher odd of being a current smoker than a never smoker (odds ratio (OR) = 1.70; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.52, 1.90), while very active LTPA was linked to lower odds (OR = 0.60; 95% CI = 0.54, 0.67). The odds of dual use were higher for those who are very active in OPA (OR = 1.63; 95% CI = 1.24, 2.15) but lower for those who are low or moderately active in LTPA (OR = 0.60; 95% CI = 0.45, 0.81, respectively: OR = 0.56; 95% CI = 0.41, 0.78). Being active at work but not during leisure time was associated with higher odds of tobacco smoking (OR = 1.37; 95% CI = 1.06, 1.77), while being inactive at work but active during leisure time with lower odds of tobacco smoking (OR = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.44, 0.70).
Conclusion: These findings highlight contrasting associations between OPA and LTPA and smoking. While being active at work was associated with higher odds of current smoking, smoking more cigarettes per day, and dual use of tobacco and e-cigarettes, being active during leisure time appears to be a protective measure. Promoting smoking cessation, especially among those with physically demanding jobs, may be an important strategy in tobacco use prevention
Co-Design of the REACH-SCI (Reducing Sedentary Activities to Improve Cardiovascular Health for Individuals With a Spinal Cord Injury) Intervention Using the Behaviour Change Wheel
Full text linkPurpose: Individuals with spinal cord injury, such as paraplegia, can be highly sedentary, which is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. There is a lack of interventions targeting sedentary behaviour in individuals with paraplegia, necessitating their development and evaluation in this population group. Sedentary behaviour interventions designed for non-disabled people are unlikely to be generalisable to manual wheelchair-users with paraplegia, meaning a tailored approach is required. This study aimed to co-design a sedentary behaviour intervention for manual wheelchair-users with paraplegia using the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW).
Methods: An iterative co-design approach was employed via two inter-connected workshops, guided by the BCW framework. Workshops included 10 individuals with paraplegia, 13 healthcare professionals, two charity workers, and two family members. Initial workshops centred around barriers and facilitators to reducing and breaking up sedentary behaviour and possible solutions to overcome barriers and target facilitators; this informed the development of intervention concepts which were then mapped to relevant behaviour change techniques. In subsequent workshops, the Acceptability, Practicability, Effectiveness, Affordability, Safety, and Equity (APEASE) criteria was used to refine the intervention protocol. Data were analysed using the framework method via inductive and deductive coding, in context of the BCW.
Results: The co-designed intervention will include (1) a wearable activity tracker to monitor physical activity and provide reminders to break up inactivity, (2) educational resources around sedentary behaviour, potential benefits of reducing and breaking up sedentary behaviour, and potential strategies to achieve the target behaviours, (3) setting goals related to sedentary behaviour, (4) one-to-one motivational support from a trained individual, (5) a peer support WhatsApp group chat with other participants, and (6) resistance bands and a handcycle to enable activity breaks throughout the day.
Conclusion: This co-design study has led to the development of a novel sedentary behaviour intervention tailored for individuals with paraplegia. The acceptability, fidelity, safety, and preliminary efficacy will be evaluated in a future study to inform progression to a definitive randomised controlled trial. This research could inform future healthcare and public health guidelines with a focus on reducing sedentary behaviour in this population.
Support/Funding Source: This research received no external fundin
Cycle Nation: Assessing the Feasibility of Delivering a Multi-Component Cycling Intervention in Two Contrasting Community Settings
Full text linkPurpose: Cycling offers health and environmental benefits, yet levels are low in the United Kingdom (UK). Effective cycling interventions in the community are therefore essential. Cycle Nation (CN) is a 9-week group-based intervention incorporating cycling skills, bicycle maintenance, behaviour change techniques, and provision of equipment. CN was originally rigorously developed as a workplace-based intervention and was adapted for the community setting. The aim of this project was to assess the feasibility of delivering the CN intervention in different community settings.
Methods: The CN programme was delivered by local cycling organisations in Manchester with South Asian women and with residents in Glasgow, UK. Participants completed pre- and post-intervention self-report questionnaires including number of cycling rides and minutes per week cycling, cycling confidence and motivation, self-esteem, and vitality. Attendance and programme completion were recorded, and interviews conducted with CN participants and facilitators. Observations were conducted of sessions. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively; qualitative data were analysed thematically.
Results: Across the two settings, 49 participants were recruited (n = 19 in Manchester and n = 30 in Glasgow) (40 female, 7 male, and 2 other) and only five withdrew in total. At post-intervention, participants in Manchester reported an increase in cycling by 3.1 rides and 89.3 minutes per week, and participants in Glasgow reported an increase of 5.2 rides and 144.3 minutes per week. In both settings this was mainly attributed to leisure cycling. CN enhanced cycling confidence, motivation for cycling, and self-esteem. In participant interviews, women highlighted the value of group-based cycling sessions, describing them as inspiring and empowering. They reported feeling increased confidence, physical and mental benefits, and higher levels of physical activity.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that delivering CN in community settings is highly feasible and was positively received by participants and facilitators. Cycling levels increased and there was high recruitment and retention rates. Findings suggest CN has potential to be effective in different contexts and can support cycling in underrepresented population sub-groups. Future research will include a randomised controlled trial of CN to provide robust longer-term evidence of its effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, with an embedded process evaluation.
Support/Funding Source: Natural Environment Research Council & British Cycling
Enhancing Physical Activity in South Asian Older Adults: Insights From Cultural Adaptation of the Keep On Keep Up (KOKU) Digital Strength and Balance Programme
Full text linkPurpose: To share insights from the co-creation and community engagement processes involved in culturally adapting the Keep On Keep Up (KOKU) digital strength and balance programme for older South Asian communities in the United Kingdom.
Background: Falls and fragility fractures cost the United Kingdom National Health Service £4.4 billion annually and $50 billion in the United States (CDC, 2018). Hip fractures are the most serious injury among older adults, with 30% mortality and 50% losing mobility within a year (WHO, 2007). Older South Asians in the United Kingdom tend to have lower physical activity levels, increasing their fall risk (Raleigh, 2023). The KOKU digital programme combines OTAGO/FaME-based exercises (Skelton et al., 2005) with interactive health literacy games on safety, nutrition, hydration, and more, using behaviour change techniques to support ongoing physical activity and prevent falls.
Methods: A mixed method feasibility study was conducted with 33 older South Asian adults (65+) from Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Nepalese, and Bhutanese backgrounds. Patient and public involvement and engagement with 16 older Pakistani participants informed study design. Community engagement with 37 grassroots organisations and 11 deaf Bangladeshi individuals was conducted to raise awareness of KOKU and the importance of physical activity in healthy ageing.
Results: Findings highlight the acceptability and perceived usefulness of KOKU within South Asian communities. The study explored participants’ fall risk, digital habits, and quality of life, offering valuable lessons for developing inclusive digital health interventions.
Conclusion: Co-production approaches can enhance digital intervention and research design for older and marginalised populations. It provides strategies for inclusive research, community engagement, and digital accessibility.
Support/Funding Source: This research was supported by the Dunhill Medical Trust (PDM2202\9), NIHR ARC-Greater Manchester (NIHR20017405156), NIHR Policy Research Unit in Healthy Ageing (NIHR206119), and The University of Manchester. Views are those of the authors, not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care
Evaluation of an Integrated Healthy Lifestyle Service for Exercise Referral
Full text linkPurpose: In Southwark (London), 68.9% of residents are physically inactive. Southwark Council’s Integrated Healthy Lifestyle Service (IHLS) offers a single point of access for residents to health services (e.g. exercise referral). Referrals are managed by the Healthy Lifestyle Hub (HLH), a telephone-based triage service aiming to enhance referral efficiency and follow-up, supporting behaviour change. One of the local services the HLH refers onto is Exercise on Referral (EoR). The aim of this evaluation is to understand how Southwark Council’s HLH influences referral to and engagement in EoR.
Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods evaluation, informed by public and stakeholder consultation. Work package (WP)1 involved secondary analysis of referral, attendance, and health data from HLH and EoR; WP2 involved an online survey of HLH users, exploring reasons for non-initiation of referrals (descriptive/inferential statistics were performed as data allowed for WP1/2); WP3 involved semi-structured interviews and focus groups with service users, staff, and non-initiators to explore service experiences (codebook thematic analysis).
Results: The data shared from WP1 highlighted inconsistencies in data linkage and a high degree of missing follow-up data, making it challenging to determine any objective changes in behaviour or health. Survey data (WP2) was available for 163 people, with seven individuals providing information on why they were referred to EoR but did not intend on initiating the service (e.g. inappropriate day/time). WP3 findings found that service users experienced benefits including weight loss and improved mental health. However, they felt the duration was insufficient for behaviour change. Service users stated a lack of affordable post-programme options. Key service recommendations included improving data collection and linkage, extending post-programme support, improving communication with service users, and clarifying referral.
Conclusion: Implementation of these recommendations will improve programme accessibility and engagement, behaviour change and health outcomes, and, importantly, the ability to accurately evidence changes. Wider implementation of community-led programmes align with sustainability development goals 3 and 10.
Support/Funding Source: This project is funded by the NIHR [Public Health Research programme (NIHR 166241)/PHIRST Elevate NIHR160288]. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care
Evolution of Physical Activity Surveillance, Policy, and Research in China: Insights From the Global Observatory for Physical Activity
Full text linkPurpose: This study aimed to assess the trends and changes in physical activity (PA) surveillance, policy, and research in China over a decade (2015–2025), using data from the Global Observatory for Physical Activity (GoPA!) Country Card for China.
Methods: We utilised data from the first (2015), second (2020), and third (2025) sets of the GoPA! Country Card for China, as well as data collected from public sources and in consultation with Chinese PA experts. This included indicators related to PA surveillance, national policies, research output, as well as demographic and socioeconomic factors. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data and identify patterns over time.
Results: Between 2015 and 2025, China’s population grew from 1.36 billion to 1.41 billion, with urbanisation increasing from 59.2% to 63.9% (between 2020 and 2025). Life expectancy improved from 75 to 77.9 years, and the Human Development Index (HDI) rose from 0.69 to 0.79. The literacy rate remained high, reaching 97% in 2025.
China’s overall PA prevalence increased from 76% in 2015 to 86% in 2020 but declined back to 76% in 2025. Meanwhile, the proportion of deaths in China that are attributable to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) rose from 86% in 2015 and 2020 to 88.5% in 2025. There was a decrease in deaths related to physical inactivity from 8.3 to 3.8%. Unlike in most countries, females are more active than males.
China’s PA surveillance system has been consistently maintained, with the first survey conducted in 2000 and the latest in 2015. Standardised tools like the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire were utilised to evaluate PA levels. National PA policies have evolved, introducing key initiatives such as the Healthy China 2030 plan and the National Fitness programme (2021–2025) between 2015 and 2025.
Conclusion: Over the past decade, China has made significant progress in PA surveillance, policy, and research. However, the fluctuating prevalence of PA and the rising NCD mortality, potentially linked to population ageing and the COVID-19 pandemic, underscore the necessity for more effective PA promotion strategies and additional research
How Can We Help People With Long-Term Health Conditions Understand and Engage in Physical Activity From Healthcare to Community Settings? Perspectives of Patients, Carers, and Professionals
Full text linkPurpose: Physical activity (PA) is fundamental in managing long-term health conditions (LTCs), yet maintaining activity in day-to-day life remains a major public health challenge. Integrated pathways between primary care and community services are becoming sustainable solutions to support PA maintenance into community living for people with LTCs.
We aimed to understand the needs and preferences of people with LTCs, their caregivers, and multi-sectoral professionals, regarding the development of an integrated pathway to maintain PA. This included barriers and facilitators to implementing a PA pathway for people with LTCs in the current United Kingdom context.
Methods: We adopted a World Café approach to understand the needs of LTC public, healthcare professionals, and community professionals, and begin co-designing an integrated PA pathway in Southern England (UK). Four focus groups, involving people with LTCs (n = 21; aged 39–82 yrs.; July–August 2024), were complemented by 19 multi-sectoral professional (aged 26–66 yrs.; July–November 2024) and six carer interviews (aged 20–78 yrs.; November 2024–February 2025). Thematic analysis was used to interpret codes inductively without pre-defined domains, and the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behaviour (COM-B) model used to frame the findings.
Results: Pain, fatigue, and managing comorbidities limited LTC participants’ access to PA, whereas caregivers faced time and financial barriers. Primary care and community centres were deemed accessible and reliable locations to advertise local opportunities, but lacked current, LTC-appropriate activities. Local authority funding cuts limited professionals collaborating with other organisations. Community navigators (e.g. health coaches) were emerging as trusted ‘intermediaries’ between primary care and community services, to support PA maintenance as a public health approach. A centralised digital hub interlinking healthcare, health coaches, and community organisations was recommended to provide ongoing support for LTC public, via personalised and appropriate signposting/referral.
Conclusion: Our findings highlight that PA pathways between primary care and community services should collaborate as a wider public health approach, to overcome financial constraints, share resources and expertise. Digital hubs involving health coaches can facilitate multi-sectoral partnerships and provide appropriate, ongoing support to maintain PA for LTC public into community life.
Support/Funding Source: A Wessex Health Partners (June 2024–July 2025) Pilot Grant was supported by two UK NIHR undergraduate internship