[Recommendations for Physical Activity Promotion: Theory and Evidence]

Abstract

This article defines a framework for the development of recommendations for physical activity promotion. It aims to provide a theoretical foundation and rationale for classifications of physical activity promotion and approaches for the evidence base of recommendations. Perspectives from contrasting scientific disciplines were compared regarding their theoretical approach for physical activity promotion and their influence on possible classifications. In addition, various approaches of an evidence base were analyzed and integrated into a differentiated concept for the evidence base of recommendations. From a public health perspective, the use of integrative multi-level-models is fundamental as they can be combined both with different classifications, and individual, social, environmental and policy-based approaches. The evidence base should include the efficacy, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an intervention.The scientific and political rationale for recommendations for physical activity promotion can be supported by an explicit theoretical framework and a differentiated concept of an evidence base.