BackgroundProlonged sitting is linked to adverse health outcomes and is particularly prevalent among university students. While individual determinants have been widely studied, less is known about the broader range of socio-ecological influences on sitting during structured academic activities. This study aims to examine the prevalence of sedentary time and its socio-ecological correlates within the academic course of the day of university students.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 434 students (81.8% female) with a mean age of 22.9 ± 3.5 years. Participants self-reported their sedentary time during the academic day and within 90-min teaching units, using an adapted version of the Occupational Sitting and Physical Activity Questionnaire (OSPAQ). Correlates at individual, social and environmental levels were also self-reported. Logistic regression models were used to identify associations with (1) overall sedentary time, (2) uninterrupted sitting during 90-min teaching unit, and (3) number of sitting breaks during 90-min teaching units.ResultsStudents self-reported sitting for an average of 12.4 ± 3.2 h per day, with 55% taking no breaks during lectures. Motivational self-efficacy and autonomy were associated with reduced sitting and more frequent interruptions of sitting. Social norms supporting movement predicted less sitting, while subjective norms encouraging sitting were linked to more sedentary patterns. A self-reported movement-supportive environment showed strong associations with sitting interruptions during lectures, both in bivariate [OR = 3.43, 95% CI (1.98–5.95)] and multivariate analyses [OR = 2.14, 95% CI (1.04–4.40)].ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that sedentary behavior among university students is shaped by factors across multiple socio-ecological levels. Motivational self-efficacy emerged as the most consistent individual-level correlate, significantly associated with all three sitting outcomes. These findings highlight the need for interventions that address both individual correlates and the structural embedding of sitting in the university context at a social and environmental level. Universities should consider reforms that reduce sedentary constraints and expand behavioral options, such as integrating physically active teaching formats and redesigning learning spaces.

Background Sedentary behavior, particularly prolonged sitting, is a significant global public health issue. However, comprehensive population-level temporal trends on sitting time are sparse, hampering effective monitoring and policy development. This study aims to examine temporal trends and correlates of overall and domain-specific sitting time among the adult population in Germany from 2014 to 2023. Methods Data were obtained from five cross-sectional, population-representative telephone surveys conducted in Germany in 2014, 2016, 2018, 2021, and 2023, comprising a total of N = 14,417 adults aged 18 years and older. Participants completed the domain-specific Marshall Sitting Questionnaire, reporting sitting time across five domains: transport, work, television viewing, leisure-time electronic media use, and other leisure activities. Descriptive statistics and linear regression analyses were performed to examine time trends and sociodemographic and lifestyle correlates, with all results presented as mean estimates and 95% confidence intervals. Results Between 2014 and 2023, average overall weekday sitting time increased by 76 minutes per weekday, rising from 457 to 533 minutes. The most pronounced relative increases were observed in work-related (42%) and leisure-time electronic media use (31%). The prevalence of high sitting time (>8 hours/weekday) rose from 42% in 2014 to 55% in 2023. Regression analyses indicated that men (31.8 minutes/weekday, 95% CI: 22.5, 41.1), younger adults (-2.3, 95% CI: -2.5, -2.0), individuals with higher education (57.1, 95% CI: 43.8, 70.4) and income levels (41.7, 95% CI: 25.9, 57.5), and urban residents (21.5, 95% CI: 8.7, 34.2) had significantly longer overall sitting times compared to women, older adults, individuals with lower education and income, and those living in rural areas, respectively. Conclusions Temporal trends from Germany indicate a substantial increase in both overall and domain-specific sitting time between 2014 and 2023, predominantly driven by work-related and screen-based leisure activities. These findings underscore the urgent need for public health strategies aimed at reducing prolonged sitting, particularly in work and leisure contexts. Targeted population-specific and context-sensitive interventions are increasingly needed to mitigate the rise in overall and domain-specific sitting time.

University students accumulate lots of sedentary time without interrupting and comprehensive approaches to reduce time spent sedentary are lacking. The implementation of physically active university teaching needs practicable approaches and the support by lecturers. However, there is little research on which physically activating strategies lecturers actually use and what barriers they become aware to implement these. This exploratory, qualitative study aims to identify physically activating strategies as well as barriers for reducing sitting time and physically active university teaching from the perspective of lecturers. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 lecturers to explore potential physically activating strategies in university teaching, assess their degree of utilization, and identify barriers to implementation. The data were analysed by a structured content analysis of the interview transcripts using MAXQDA 2020 software. Physically activating strategies are hardly known among university lecturers and are seldomly used on a regular and conscious basis. We identified two types of strategies with physically activating measures and teaching methods. Lecturers highlighted two specific types of physically activating measures: physical activity breaks and the use of physically activating furniture. All together, we identified 18 distinct teaching methods (e.g. group work, gallery walk) that integrate learning processes with physical activity in a pedagogical-didactic manner. The main barriers to implementation identified were lack of space, lack of time, students’ unwillingness to move; organizational social norms, and lecturers’ uncertainty about how to implement these strategies effectively. University lecturers are generally unfamiliar with and rarely use physically activating strategies to reduce sedentary behavior in students. However, lecturers identified 18 potential teaching methods that integrate physical activity with pedagogical-didactic principles, offering a new approach to physically active university teaching. These methods present an untapped potential for the low-threshold integration of physical activity and breaks from sitting into university teaching, aligning with "stealth health" strategies that incidentally promote health while assuring a “high-quality education” as the core concern of higher education teaching. Understanding and addressing the barriers to implementation, such as lack of space, time, social and organizational norms, is crucial for the effective planning and implementation of interventions.

Isolated lumbar extension resistance exercise (ILEX) has been shown to effectively address chronic low back pain (LBP) and paraspinal deconditioning. However, its role within the widely recommended multimodal management approaches remains unclear. This study aimed to: (1) closely monitor the effects of ILEX throughout the course of a 16-weeks intervention, applied as a stand-alone approach in patients with nociceptive and/or neuropathic pain and (2) to compare this intervention with a multimodal treatment program including general exercise (GE) and manual therapy (MT). Fifty-eight LBP patients were enrolled in this single-center (Wuerzburg, Germany), prospective, non-randomized controlled trial. The ILEX-only group (Powerspine Back [PSB]: n = 29) completed 25 sessions of ILEX, whereas the integrative group (PSB+ : n = 29) also received GE (added to each session) and MT (5 to 7 sessions). Outcome measures were assessed at baseline, 3, 6, 9 and 16 weeks including lumbar multifidus cross-sectional area (CSA), muscle thickness (MT), echointensity (EI) (ultrasound-derived), isometric lumbar strength (isokinetic device) and validated questionnaires (Visual Analog Scale [VAS]; Oswestry Disability Index [ODI]; Short-Form 36). Between-subjects repeated measures ANOVA and correlation analyses were performed. Both groups (PSB: m = 16, f = 15, Ø40.26 (± 13.71) years, BMI 25.16 (± 4.07) kg/m2; PSB+ : m = 16, f = 13, Ø42.00 (± 12.69) years, BMI 25.20 (± 3.29) kg/m2) demonstrated comparable linear improvements in multifidus CSA (PSB: Δ0.59 [95% CI 0.36–0.82] cm2; PSB+ : Δ0.72 [95% CI 0.49–0.96] cm2, both p < 0.001; main effect (group): p = 0.52) along with similar strength gains (PSB: Δ96.79 [95% CI 57.64–135.93] Nm; PSB+ : Δ86.88 [95% CI 48.70–125.06] Nm; both p < 0.001; main effect (group): p = 0.91) over time. EI remained unchanged in both groups. No-between group differences were observed for self-reported measures, while all outcomes significantly improved (ODI: PSB: − 15.0 [95% CI − 19.3 to − 10.8], PSB+ : − 11.7 [95% CI − 16.0 to − 7.4]; VAS: PSB: − 29.30 [95% CI − 37.73 to − 20.86], PSB+ : − 29.34 [95% CI − 37.78 to − 20.91], both p < 0.001). Only PSB+ showed correlations between multifidus changes and clinical outcomes. Stand-alone and combined isolated lumbar extension resistance exercise interventions are effective in reversing muscle deconditioning and produce comparable clinical outcomes. The results inform clinical decision-making and support the development of targeted, resource-efficient rehabilitation strategies. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT06890052 (20/03/2025) ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06890052?cond=NCT06890052%20&rank=1 )

Background. Physical activity promotion in rural settings is a widely neglected issue. As part of a research project, a systematic planning and implementation process was conducted in a rural community, explicitly addressing infrastructure factors influencing physical activity. The aim of this article is to describe the process and the result of the "Bewegte Dorfrunde ".Methods. The planning and implementation process was based on the four steps of the Public Health Action Cycle: i) To define the health problem, a participatory needs assessment was conducted using different instruments (asset analysis, audit, questionnaire, citizen participation). ii) Problems and suitable measures suggested by the citizens were collected in which different infrastructure and social needs were addressed. Deriving from the results of the needs assessment, the project planning group decided among other things that a circular walking path supplemented by physical activity stations and gathering spots to be the most promising project for the intervention. iii) A task force of citizens developed a concept consisting of different thematic stations along the walking path, considered motivation strategies, and implemented the concept with the community. iv) In an internal evaluation, the planning and implementation process as well as the result of the "Bewegte Dorfrunde " were evaluated by the task force.Results. The final project consists of a 2.8 km circular path along popular walking streets in different neighborhoods and is supplemented by 14 thematically different physical activity spots and several resting areas. Themes include sports and physical activity, relaxation and mindfulness, play and fun as well as social gathering. Strategies to stimulate use of the "Bewegte Dorfrunde " include supervised event days, active promotion via different communication channels, and other general incentives. The planning and implementation process as well as the result were positively assessed.Conclusions. Participatory, systematic planning and implementation are important prerequisites for the development of tailored measures for physical activity promotion in rural settings. The "Bewegte Dorfrunde " has the potential to effectively counteract insufficient physical activity levels in rural areas.

Background. Physical activity can be understood in terms of socioecological determinants, which are prerequisites to successfully promote physical activity. Communities play an important role in this context, as they can create health-protective conditions. However, the design, implementation, and evaluation of socioecological approaches often do not follow a systematic and theory-driven approach. Changes in environmental conditions are determined by the behavior and decisions of so-called change agents or local decision-makers, such as mayors. Therefore, it is important to identify the determinants that influence decision-making processes to be able to change the decisional behavior of change agents to promote physical activity in their communities. In addition, there is a need for multipliers (e.g., employees in health offices) to be qualified to systematically implement socioecological-based interventions in communities.Objectives and project process. The research project "Systematic planning and implementation of decision-making and implementation processes of socioecological-based physical activity promotion in the community to reduce social inequity" (with the German acronym EUBeKo) was funded within the framework of the funding scheme "Physical Activity and Physical Activity Promotion" of the German Federal Ministry of Health. It takes both the local change agents and multipliers into account and is inspired by intervention mapping. This article describes the project EUBeKo with its two research questions on the role and competences of multipliers, and on the factors influencing local decision-making processes as well as the planning and implementation of socioecological-based physical activity promotion in two model communities, and the dissemination strategies (e.g., project website).Discussion and conclusions. The strengths of the project include the systematic and theory-based preparation and implementation of a process of socioecological-based physical activity promotion in the community with a special focus on planning and decision-making processes as well as on the target groups of local multipliers and decision-makers. Challenges are found in the theory-practice transfer and the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on project implementation.

IntroductionThe effect of displayed step count in smartwatches on the accuracy of daily step-count estimation and the potential underlying psychological factors have not been revealed. The study aimed for the following: (i) To investigate whether the counting and reporting of daily steps by a smartwatch increases the daily step-count estimation accuracy and (ii) to elucidating underlying psychological factors.MethodsA total of 34 healthy men and women participants wore smartwatches for 4 weeks. In week 1 (baseline), 3 (follow-up 1), and 8 (follow-up 2), the number of smartwatch displayed steps was blinded for each participant. In week 2 (Intervention), the number of steps was not blinded. During baseline and follow-ups 1 and 2, the participants were instructed to estimate their number of steps four times per day. During the 4-week wash-out period between follow-ups 1 and 2, no feedback was provided. The Body Awareness Questionnaire and the Body Responsiveness Questionnaire (BRQ) were used to elucidate the psychological facets of the assumed estimation accuracy.ResultsThe mean absolute percentage error between the participants’ steps count estimations and measured steps counts were 29.49% (at baseline), 0.54% (intervention), 11.89% (follow-up 1), and 15.14% (follow-up 2), respectively. There was a significant effect between baseline and follow-up 1 [t (61.7) = 3.433, p < 0.001] but not between follow-up 1 and follow-up 2 [t (60.3) = −0.288, p = 0.774]. Only the BRQ subscale “Suppression of Bodily Sensations” appeared to be significant at the Baseline (p = 0.012; Bonferroni adjusted p = 0.048) as a factor influencing step-count estimation accuracy.ConclusionThe counting and reporting of daily steps with a smartwatch allows improving the subjective estimation accuracy of daily step counts, with a stabilizing effect for at least 6 weeks. Especially individuals who tend to suppress their bodily sensations are less accurate in their daily step-count estimation before the intervention.

BACKGROUND:According to social-ecological models, the built and natural environment has the potential to facilitate or hinder physical activity (PA). While this potential is well researched in urban areas, a current systematic review of how the built and natural environment is related to PA in rural areas is lacking. METHODS:We searched five databases and included studies for adults (18-65 years) living in rural areas. We included quantitative studies investigating the association between any self-reported or objectively measured characteristic of the built or natural environment and any type of self-reported or objectively measured PA, and qualitative studies that reported on features of the built or natural environment perceived as barriers to or facilitators of PA by the participants. Screening for eligibility and quality assessment (using the Standard Quality Assessment Criteria for Evaluating Primary Research Papers from a Variety of Fields) were done in duplicate. We used a narrative approach to synthesize the results. RESULTS:Of 2432 non-duplicate records, 51 quantitative and 19 qualitative studies were included. Convincing positive relationships were found between the availability and accessibility of places for exercise and recreation and leisure-time PA as well as between the overall environment and leisure-time PA. Possible positive associations were found between the overall environment and total and transport-related PA, between greenness/natural environment and total PA, between cycling infrastructure and aesthetics and MVPA, and between pedestrian infrastructure and total walking. A possible negative relationship was found between safety and security and total walking. Qualitative studies complemented several environmental facilitators (facilities for exercise and recreation, sidewalks or streets with low traffic, attractive natural environment) and barriers (lack of facilities and destinations, lack of sidewalks, speeding traffic and high traffic volumes, lack of street lighting). CONCLUSIONS:Research investigating the relationship between the built and natural environment and PA behaviors of adults living in rural areas is still limited and there is a need for more high-quality and longitudinal studies. However, our most positive findings indicate that investing in places for exercise and recreation, a safe infrastructure for active transport, and nature-based activities are possible strategies that should be considered to address low levels of PA in rural adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION:PROSPERO: CRD42021283508.

Zusammenfassung Studierende sind durch langes Sitzen im Hochschulalltag gesundheitlichen Risiken ausgesetzt. Die Hochschullehre stellt einen vielversprechenden Ansatz für eine Reduzierung der Sitzzeiten und gleichzeitiges Fördern des Lernens durch bewegte Lehre und Studienzeiten dar. Interventionen sollten individuelle mit umwelt- und organisationsbezogenen Ansätzen koppeln. Projekte wie das Heidelberger Modell der bewegten Lehre und das Forschungskolleg Corpus zeigen innovative Ansätze im Bildungskontext auf.

Den Körper über Bewegung und körperliche Aktivierung in Lehr-Lernkontexte einzubinden ist im Hochschulkontext selten zu finden. Es dominiert die kognitive und geistige Leistungserbringung in ruhender, sitzender Haltung. Mit der Evaluation eines curricular verankerten Moduls zur Bewegungsaktivierung in Lehr-Lernkontexten wurde eine Lehrkompetenzerweiterung und Körpersensibilisierung bei Lehramtsstudierenden (n=144) untersucht. Es zeigt sich ein geringes Vorwissen der Studierenden zu lernbezogener Bewegungsaktivierung sowie eine durchweg positive Resonanz auf das Seminar und die Lehrkompetenzerweiterung mit unmittelbarer Relevanz für ihren späteren Beruf. Darüber hinaus wird eine erhöhte Sensibilisierung für den Umgang mit dem Körper und der Bewegung im Studien- und Arbeitsalltags sichtbar. (DIPF/Orig.)

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Die Bewegungsförderung wird in ländlichen Strukturen weitestgehend vernachlässigt. Im Rahmen eines Forschungsprojekts wurde in einer ländlichen Gemeinde ein systematischer Planungs- und Implementierungsprozess durchlaufen, wobei explizit bauliche Veränderungen der physischen Bewegungsverhältnisse adressiert wurden. Ziel des Artikels ist es, diesen Prozess und das Ergebnis, die „Bewegte Dorfrunde“, zu beschreiben. Methodische Vorgehensweise Der Planungs- und Umsetzungsprozess erfolgte angelehnt an den Public Health Action Cycle in 4 Schritten: I) Zur Problembestimmung wurde eine partizipative Bedarfs- und Bedürfnisanalyse durchgeführt, die aus verschiedenen Verfahren und Instrumenten bestand (Asset-Analyse, Auditierung, Fragebogenerhebung, Beteiligungsverfahren). II) Die Planungsgruppe sammelte die genannten Probleme und Maßnahmenvorschläge aus der Bürgerschaft, die jeweils unterschiedliche Handlungsfelder adressierten. Aufgrund vielfältiger Potenziale und unter Berücksichtigung der Ergebnisse aus der Bedarfs- und Bedürfnisanalyse legte sich die Projektplanungsgruppe u. a. auf einen beschilderten Gemeinderundweg mit Bewegungsstationen fest. III) Eine Dorfrunden-Arbeitsgruppe aus Bürger*innen entwarf ein bewegungsanregendes und interaktionsförderndes Stationenkonzept, erarbeitete Motivierungsstrategien für die Nutzung und setzte es mit Unterstützung der Gemeinde um. IV) In einer internen Evaluation wurde der Planungs- und Umsetzungsprozess sowie das Ergebnis der „Bewegten Dorfrunde“ von den Dorfrunden-Arbeitsgruppenmitgliedern bewertet. Ergebnisse Die Projektmaßnahme besteht aus einem 2,8 km langen Gemeinderundweg entlang beliebter Spazierwege in verschiedenen Ortsteilen, der durch thematisch unterschiedliche Stationen und mehrere Sitzmöglichkeiten ergänzt wurde. Zum Stationenkonzept gehören 14 niedrigschwellige Bewegungs- und Begegnungsangebote zu den Themen Sport und Bewegung, Entspannung und Achtsamkeit, Spiel und Spaß sowie Begegnung . Maßnahmen zur Nutzungsmotivierung beinhalten Aktionstage mit begleiteten Begehungen, aktive Bewerbungen über unterschiedliche Kommunikationswege und allgemeine Anreizstrukturen. In der Evaluation wurden Prozess und Ergebnis positiv bewertet. Schlussfolgerung Partizipative, systematische Planung und Umsetzung ist auch in ländlichen Strukturen eine wichtige Voraussetzung für die Entwicklung passgenauer Maßnahmen. Die „Bewegte Dorfrunde“ bekräftigt Chancen für die kommunale Bewegungsförderung im ländlichen Raum.

Background Community-based physical activity promotion can contribute to the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases. However, it is not obligatory and, hence, there are no clear responsibilities at the municipal level. In order to understand how community-based physical activity promotion can be advanced in Germany, it is necessary to identify potential stakeholders in urban and rural municipalities and characterize their roles. Methods Using guided semi-structured interviews, we asked 18 potential stakeholders at different levels (federal state, county/city, neighborhood/community) about their own roles and their perception of the roles of other stakeholders. The interviews were analyzed in a qualitative text analysis according to Kuckartz. Results Health authorities at the state and county level have an advising, networking, and professionally supporting role. At the local level, individuals who will implement the activities must be found. These can be different in rural and urban communities. The neighborhood managers interviewed primarily work with the residents, while the administrative staff is responsible for the administration of projects. Conclusions Health authorities at the state and county levels can promote community-based physical activity via professional input. For the multiplication and implementation in neighborhoods and communities, persons who take local responsibility must be found or structures must be established.

COVID-19 working restrictions resulted in a location shift of white-collar workers into their home office (HO). Little is known about how the proportion of HO affects sitting and physical activity (PA) behaviour during working hours, and potential correlates are not well understood. A cross-sectional sample of currently working adults in HO (n = 575) completed questionnaires regarding HO proportion before and during the pandemic, work-related sitting and PA, and socioecological factors regarding HO sitting time. The reported HO proportion increased by 46.7 ± 40.6% during COVID-19 working restrictions. Workday sitting proportion correlates positively with HO proportion. The regression model identified gender, education level, working hours, working environment to stand during work, and transport and leisure PA as correlates of the workday sitting proportion in HO. This study provides findings that high HO proportions are related to higher work-related sitting times and adds insights into possible correlates of sitting time in HO.Practitioner summary: Working in the home office (HO) is a common characteristic of flexible work in white-collar workers. This study found that the workday sitting proportion correlates positively with HO proportion and identified correlates of the workday sitting in HO. Practitioners should consider the potential impacts of HO on work-related sedentary behaviour in future workplace health promotion.

BACKGROUND:Implementing environmental changes to promote healthier communities requires initial positive decisions by change agents from local politics and government. However, there is little research on what influences the change agents' decisions. This explorative, qualitative study aims to identify the personal determinants of the decision-making behavior of local change agents.METHODS:We conducted semi-structured interviews to assess the personal determinants of decision-making behavior among 22 change agents from local politics and government. Relevant determinants were identified through a structured content analysis of the interview transcripts using the software MAXQDA 2020.RESULTS:We found the following seven essential clusters of personal determinants of the decision-making behavior of change agents from local politics and government: Imprinting, socialization, and biography; experiences and involvement; attitudes and outcome expectations towards important issues and aspects; knowledge; emotions; personal benefits; and the perceived influences of others.CONCLUSIONS:The identified personal determinants might serve as a source of understanding the decision-making behavior of change agents in community decision-making processes. Our findings can contribute to the effective planning and implementation of evidence-based multilevel interventions related to changing environmental conditions in communities and provide important information on which personal determinants should be considered when derive strategies for community health promotion within a systematic approach of developing an intervention program theory.

Background:According to socio-ecological theories, physical activity behaviors are linked to the physical and social neighborhood environment. Reliable and contextually adapted instruments are needed to assess environmental characteristics related to physical activity. This work aims to develop an audit toolbox adapted to the German context, to urban and rural settings, for different population groups, and different types of physical activity; and to evaluate its inter-rater reliability.Methods:We conducted a systematic literature search to collect existing audit tools and to identify the latest evidence of environmental factors influencing physical activity in general, as well as in German populations. The results guided the construction of a category system for the toolbox. Items were assigned to the categories based on their relevance to physical activity and to the German context as well as their comprehensibility. We piloted the toolbox in different urban and rural areas (100 street segments, 15 parks, and 21 playgrounds) and calculated inter-rater reliability by Cohen's Kappa.Results:The audit toolbox comprises a basic streetscape audit with seven categories (land use and destinations, traffic safety, pedestrian infrastructure, cycling infrastructure, attractiveness, social environment, and subjective assessment), as well as supplementary tools for children and adolescents, seniors and people with impaired mobility, parks and public open spaces, playgrounds, and rural areas. 76 % of all included items had moderate, substantial, or almost perfect inter-rater reliability (κ > 0.4).Conclusions:The audit toolbox is an innovative and reliable instrument for the assessment of the physical activity friendliness of urban and rural environments in Germany.

Einleitung Veränderungen der physischen Umwelt in der Kommune bedürfen verwaltungsrechtlicher und politischer Entscheidungen. Die dafür notwendige Überzeugungsarbeit findet häufig unstrukturiert statt. Ziel des vorliegenden Beitrags ist es daher, Strategien zur Beeinflussung kommunaler Entscheidungstragender aufzuzeigen, um Gesundheitsförderung auf die Agenda von Kommunen zu setzen.

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Bewegung ist über eine Reihe sozialökologischer Bedingungsfaktoren zu verstehen, an welchen eine erfolgreiche Bewegungsförderung ansetzen muss. Kommunen nehmen dabei eine bedeutende Rolle ein, da sie gesundheitsförderliche Verhältnisse ermöglichen können. Häufig wird die Konzipierung, Umsetzung und Evaluierung sozialökologischer Ansätze jedoch nicht systematisch und theoriegeleitet abgeleitet. Veränderungen in den Verhältnissen werden durch das Verhalten und die Entscheidungen sog. „change agents“ bzw. kommunaler Entscheidungstragender, wie z. B. Bürgermeister:innen, beeinflusst. Daher ist es wichtig, Einflussfaktoren auf Entscheidungsprozesse zu kennen, um Überzeugungsarbeit für Bewegungsförderung in der Kommune zu leisten. Zudem braucht es Multiplikator:innen (z. B. Mitarbeitende in Gesundheitsämtern), die Kompetenzen besitzen, verhältnisorientierte Interventionen in Kommunen systematisch umzusetzen. Zielstellung und Projektverlauf Das Forschungsprojekt „Entscheidungs- und Umsetzungsprozesse verhältnisorientierter Bewegungsförderung in der Kommune für mehr Chancengerechtigkeit systematisch planen und implementieren“ (EUBeKo) wurde im Rahmen des Förderschwerpunkts „Bewegung und Bewegungsförderung“ des Bundesministeriums für Gesundheit gefördert. In diesem Beitrag werden das Projekt EUBeKo mit seinen zwei Forschungsfragen zum einen nach der Rolle und den Kompetenzen von Multiplikator:innen und zum anderen nach den Einflussfaktoren auf kommunale Entscheidungsprozesse sowie die Planung und Umsetzung verhältnisorientierter Bewegungsförderung in zwei Modellkommunen als auch die Strategien der Dissemination (z. B. Projekt-Webseite) beschrieben. Diskussion und Schlussfolgerungen Zu den Stärken des Projekts zählt die systematische und theoriegeleitete Aufbereitung und Durchführung eines Prozesses verhältnisorientierter Bewegungsförderung in der Kommune mit besonderem Fokus auf Planungs- und Entscheidungsprozesse sowie auf die Zielgruppen der kommunalen Multiplikator:innen und Entscheidungstragenden. Herausforderungen finden sich im Theorie-Praxis-Transfer und in den Auswirkungen der COVID-19-Pandemie („coronavirus disease 2019“) auf die Projektumsetzung.

Background Physical activity (PA) guidelines acknowledge the health benefits of regular moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) regardless of bout duration. However, little knowledge exists concerning the type and intensity distribution of structured and incidental lifestyle PA of students and office workers. The present study aimed to i) assess the duration and distribution of intensity of MVPAs during waking hours ≥50% of heart rate reserve (HRR), ii) to identify the type of PA through diary assessment, iii) to assign these activities into structured and lifestyle incidental PA, and iv) to compare this information between students and office workers. Methods Twenty-three healthy participants (11 students, 12 office workers) recorded heart rate (HR) with a wrist-worn HR monitor (Polar M600) and filled out a PA diary throughout seven consecutive days (i.e. ≥ 8 waking h/day). Relative HR zones were calculated, and PA diary information was coded using the Compendium of PA. We matched HR data with the reported PA and identified PA bouts during waking time ≥ 50% HRR concerning duration, HRR zone, type of PA, and assigned each activity to incidental and structured PA. Descriptive measures for time spend in different HRR zones and differences between students and office workers were calculated. Results In total, we analyzed 276.894 s (76 h 54 min 54 s) of waking time in HRR zones ≥50% and identified 169 different types of PA. The participants spend 31.9 ± 27.1 min/day or 3.9 ± 3.2% of their waking time in zones of ≥50% HRR with no difference between students and office workers ( p > 0.01). The proportion of assigned incidental lifestyle PA was 76.9 ± 22.5%. Conclusions The present study provides initial insights regarding the type, amount, and distribution of intensity of structured and incidental lifestyle PA ≥ 50% HRR. Findings show a substantial amount of incidental lifestyle PA during waking hours and display the importance of promoting a physically active lifestyle. Future research could employ ambulatory assessments with integrated electronic diaries to detect information on the type and context of MVPA during the day.