Umeå universitets logga

Globally, public health is a political priority with governments´ increasingly supporting interventions in civil society for reaching health related objectives. There is a worldwide public health focus on increasing population levels of physical activity by prescribing exercise as a preventive strategy against the risk of developing a range of non-communicable diseases. The employment of voluntary sports organisations is increasingly becoming the mechanism for physical activity promotion and the implementation of interventions to raise physical activity levels. This study explores the Swedish Sports Confederation´s (SSC) implementation of physical activity on prescription (PAOP). While studies exist about the effectiveness of exercise referral schemes and programs, for participant adherence, increasing physical activity, fitness or health indicators, knowledge about the role of different organisations in delivering such schemes has been called for. In heeding this call, this study interviewed representatives from the 21 Regional Sports Federations in Sweden involved in leading, organizing and delivering physical activity. The results of the interviewee data provide detail on how PAOP is delivered and received. The presentation summarizes the findings and illustrates the complex barriers and facilitators involved in stimulating and engaging previously inactive participants in sustained physical activity in the Swedish Sports Confederation system.