An evidence-based model to mobilize entire cities to become more physically active

Due to the heavy burden of illness, there is need for innovative approaches designed to improve public health in entire populations. A social ecological approach to address the issue of physical inactivity by examining the process of development and maintenance of a community-wide physical activity initiative could be the answer. Therefore, a regional health authority, a university, a municipal government and a national physical activity promotion organization partnered to create in motion - a comprehensive health promotion initiative to increase physical activity in a mid-sized Canadian city. Using a population model for change as an underpinning, in motion has been shared and implemented in other communities across Canada. Evaluation and research are an ongoing and critical process to the initiative. The baseline survey (2000) illustrated that 77% of Saskatoon residents believed themselves to be regularly physical active while upon further investigation only 36% were found to be active enough to receive health benefits. The follow up surveys showed that physical activity levels changed from 49% (2002) to 50% (2004), and 48% (2006) and 49% in 2008. In 2008, 79% of Saskatoon and region adults recall recently seeing, hearing or reading advertising messages promoting awareness of the benefits of physical activity,

In motion has shown that an innovative active living promotion initiative can assist in effecting and sustaining an increase in physical activity participation. In motion receives local to international accolades and inquiries for its strategies and evidence-based model of dynamic community change towards health.