Table 5 Steps to achieve high country-level capacity for physical activity promotion according to country stage based on the GoPA! pyramid for country-level capacity (Fig. 1)

Country Contacts

1. Estimate the magnitude of the problem.

2. Identify and support research groups.

3. Report the magnitude of the problem, and identify groups and regions at higher risk.

4. Use surveillance and research data to make the case for a stand-alone national physical activity policy document.

5. Use the GoPA! Country Card to encourage strategic partners to start building the pyramid for country-level capacity.

6. Use the GoPA! “1st Physical Activity Almanac” to identify a) other stage 1 countries, and b) stage 2 and 3 countries – connect with them to problem-solve and develop strategies for pyramid improvement.

7. Strengthen regional capacity by reaching out to geographic neighbors.

8. Set a realistic timeline, with specific objectives.

9. Contact policy makers and researchers to disseminate the Country Card and encourage specific actions.

1. Maintain the indicators that were identified as high.

2. Improve the indicators that were set as medium and low and address specific gaps.

3. Address dissemination gaps.

4. Approach policy makers with the Country Card to make the case for HEPA promotion and to strengthen local capacity.

5. Support countries in Stage 1.

6. Contact policy makers and researchers at the country level to disseminate the Country Card and encourage specific actions.

1. Maintain and scale up the pyramid.

2. Identify and address dissemination gaps.

3. Focus on an integrated and multidisciplinary collaboration to translate research into policy and to scale up interventions that can lead to equity, social justice.

4. Approach policy makers with the Country Card and continue making the case for physical activity promotion to sustain and expand local capacity.

5. Set more ambitious goals and concrete timelines to achieve them to strengthen the pyramid.

6. Support countries in stages 1 and 2 by sharing experiences in developing and maintaining the pyramid.

7. Contact policy makers and researchers at the country level to disseminate the Country Card and encourage specific actions.

Government and policy

1. Support the creation of a national physical activity surveillance system through legislative and budgetary actions.

2. Stimulate national physical activity research: provide funds/incentives for physical activity training programs and capacity building.

3. Clearly outline political commitment to and resources for physical activity, establish multi-sectoral approaches.

4. Review financial and other resources available to implement and monitor appropriate PA policies.

5. Engage in fund raising for physical activity policy implementation.

1. Cooperate with ministries across multiple sectors.

2. Initiate a collective meeting with governmental representatives from the transport, housing, health, infrastructure, urban design, planning, environment, sports and recreation and education sectors and present the Country Card as an evidence-based physical activity resource.

3. Ensure availability of financial and other resources to implement and monitor appropriate physical activity policies.

1. Discuss and arrange the implementation of actions geared at sustaining, strengthening, and scaling-up the three pillars, at national, regional and local level.

2. Maintain and expand financial commitment to implement and monitor physical activity policies.

3. Strive for equity, by reducing social and health inequalities of access to opportunities for physical activity.

Researchers

1. Critically evaluate the data sources for your Country Card and update as needed.

2. Identify any local capacity to start high-quality physical activity research.

3. Raise awareness and present the Country Cards to colleagues and students, stressing the gaps identified and the potential to drive a new field of work nationally.

4. Bring attention to GoPA! through dissemination using existing networks.

1. Build physical activity capacity and support further training in research, practice, policy, evaluation and surveillance.

2. Identify any existing networks, or start one (if necessary). Promote collaboration across research groups with physical activity capacity in the country.

3. Bring attention to GoPA! through dissemination using existing networks.

1. Produce research linking GoPA! to the needs, actions and goals of primary health care, transport, housing, health, infrastructure, urban design, and education sectors.

2. Use key supplemental resources to stress the health benefits of physical activity (Lancet Physical Activity series, Bangkok Declaration, Global Action Plan for Physical Activity), and to guide new research.