Indicators to look for and measure in your programme

THE HEALTH INDICATORS CONNECTED TO PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND NON COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

The elements below are for your inspiration. They are abstracted from the Together for Better Health Programme in Slovenia.

As part of the Programme, people can take part in specially designed physical activities health education interventions to strengthen their health and help them change their everyday physical activity behaviour. There are four components under this specific element of the Together for Better Health Programme:  1. “How fit am I?”, 2. “Physical fitness tests for adults/older people”, 3. “Let’s get moving” and 4. “Screening for areas of functional disability”.

There is also an interdisciplinary behaviour change approach available to adults who need weight and obesity management called, “Losing weight in a healthy way”, which includes many physical activity interventions.

Indicator	Suggestion to measure it in all group PA intervention	Type of measurement within the programme	Method to measure
BMI	Yes	Objective	Using math formula (kg/m2= BMI)
Body Weight	Yes	Objective	Using weight scale
Waist circumference	Yes (Except in “How fit am I?”)	Objective	Using measuring tape
Physical fitness	Yes (Only cardiorespiratory fitness in “How fit am I”)	Objective	Performing appropriate battery of tests
Physical activity	Yes	Subjective	Using physical activity questionnaire
Sedentary behaviour	Just in long interventions/workshop	Subjective	Using physical activity questionnaire

Why those indicators?

BMI –  Body mass index (BMI) is a tool that healthcare providers use to estimate the amount of body fat by using your height and weight measurements. It can help assess risk factors for certain health conditions (eg. heart disease, diabetes, obesity). The BMI is not always an accurate representation of body fatness, but in most people, BMI correlates to body fat – the higher the number, the more body fat you may have.

Body Weight  –  Body weight helps us calculate/define BMI. 

Waist circumference – Waist circumference is of the two most common ways to measure “abdominal obesity” which is strongly associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and death, even after controlling for body mass index (BMI). 

Physical fitness – Physical fitness is considered one of the most important determinants of health status and a significant predictor of morbidity and mortality. It is an integrated measurement of all the functions and structures involved in performing everyday physical activity, sports, occupations and daily activity. Health-related physical fitness criteria include cardiorespiratory capacity, strength, flexibility, balance, agility, and body composition. 

Physical activity –  Physical activity is considered one of the most important determinants of health status and predictor of morbidity and mortality. It can prevent (or help manage) several diseases and disability if we meet weekly/daily recommendations on physical activity.   

Sedentary behaviour –  Sedentary behaviour increases all causes of mortality, double the risk of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity, and increases the risks of colon cancer, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, lipid disorders, depression and anxiety. That is why it is essential to limit everyday sitting time. 

Key lessons from the initiative

🔹 We can create a HEPA-friendly environment by using a multi-partner approach.

🔹 Some health indicators related to physical activity can be measured by simple means.

🔹 Physical activity and sedentary behaviour can also be measured objectively (e.g. with accelerometer).

WHO TO WORK WITH: TIPS AND TRICKS ON STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

In this video, Heidrun, Pia and Andrea provide us with some important tips and insights based on their experience and knowledge of the “Pluspunkt Gesundheit” initiative (Go back to Topic 2 of this module if you would like to hear or read more about it).

Module key takeaways

🔹 Be active. Everybody. Everywhere. Everyday.

🔹“There is no state, age or condition in which taking exercise is not a good thing.” Chief Medical Officer for England, Sir Chris Whitty. Start small and build up gradually for a safe approach to starting the activity.

🔹 It’s safer for people with long-term conditions to be physically active.

🔹 Healthcare settings consequently provide a unique opportunity to support understanding and awareness of, and greater engagement in, physical activity amongst some of the least active members of our population. Let’s try to bridge the gap.

🔹 A prerequisite to building trust between health and sports sectors is to provide time and opportunity to learn each other language and ideally build a common one.

🔹 People with lived experience often can offer valuable expertise and powerful narratives on how to manage and improve their individual health as well as the health of fellow community members.

🔹 Community approach to health is recommended; it connects the community and enables community development.

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Source: UK Department of Health and Social Care