Promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary behavior among young people

Santé publique France launched two calls for proposals in 2011 and 2012 to implement initiatives promoting physical activity among children and young people based on the Icaps approach (Intervention with middle school students focused on physical activity and sedentary behavior), which has been deemed effective by the WHO (1,2). About fifteen pilot sites were thus able to implement Icaps-style projects for 18 to 24 months. The various evaluations of this initial deployment phase are generally positive: the initiative helped raise awareness of the approach and formalize tools and resources deemed useful and complementary (guide, brochure, MOOC). Today, in order to plan for wider dissemination, the approach must be more horizontal and rooted in participating regions. Santé publique France has therefore commissioned the Léo Lagrange socio-cultural and sports center in Colombelles (Normandy) to serve as the National Center for Physical Activity Deployment / Combating Sedentary Lifestyles (CND AP/S), tasked with supporting the implementation of other projects of this type. The center’s missions are as follows:

• Advocate for the Icaps approach among relevant decision-makers and partners capable of implementing these initiatives

• Develop the skills of on-the-ground stakeholders through training

• Assess the conditions for project implementation

• Promote the projects

To learn about the Icaps approach and/or launch a project to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior among young people, Santé publique France provides permanent access to the resources produced during the two sessions of the 2015 and 2016 (Massive Open Online Course) “Promoting Physical Activity and Reducing Sedentary Behavior Among Young People.”

Promoting physical activity among adults and reducing sedentary behavior in their daily lives

Lack of physical activity and sedentary lifestyles also affect adults; to help shift these behaviors toward healthier habits, Santé publique France has developed personalized guidance through the “Move More” section of its website www.mangerbouger.fr, enabling everyone to create their own physical activity program. This section aims to help the public increase their physical activity and reduce the time spent sitting. Packed with a wealth of content, the “Move More” tab allows visitors to learn about the benefits of physical activity. Visitors can then assess their level of physical activity, exercise at home using the 41 exercise sheets provided, find activities that suit them, and create a program to fit into their schedule.