DE-PASS Final Event: Olomouc, Czech Republic: October 2024
The DE-PASS (Determinants of Physical Activity in SettingS) COST Action (CA19101) recently held its final event at the Fortress of Knowledge, Palacký University’s science center in Olomouc, Czech Republic. Organised by PESS, UL DE-PASS members (Prof Ciaran Mac Donncha and Dr Rhoda Sohun) with the invaluable support of local hosts Professors Jana Pelclová and Jan Dygrýn, the event brought together 60 participants from 20 nations to reflect on four years of progress in understanding physical activity behaviours and policy impacts.
The DE-PASS COST Action is Co-chaired by Prof. Ciaran Mac Donncha (PESS, University of Limerick) and Prof. Laura Capraninca (University of Sport and Movement, Foro Italico). This culminating event highlighted groundbreaking research and workshops from DE-PASS’s workgroups (Work Group 2, 3 and 4), providing a platform to present State of the Art findings, hold workshops, and discuss the future legacy of DE-PASS. Dr. Angelo Basteris, DE-PASS Science Officer, also attended the event, offering positive reflections on the extensive research outcomes achieved over the past four years.
Keynotes
Three inspiring keynote speakers shared insights on diverse aspects of physical activity determinants. Presentations were as follows:
- Genetics and their role in Physical Activity Behaviours (PABs): Prof Eco de Geus, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam), The Netherlands.
- Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA)/Time and context-based determinants of PABs: Prof. Tomas Vetrovsky, Charles University (CUNI), Czech Republic.
- Policy Evaluation across Europe: Prof Marlene Silva, Department of Human Kinetics (PDGH), Lusófona University (LU), Portugal.
Highlighting DE-PASS Work Group Contributions: Evidence Translation, Measurement, and Proof of Concept
The final DE-PASS COST Action event offered an opportunity for each Work Group to share conclusions and deliver hands-on workshops that deepened understanding and application of DE-PASS’s findings.
Work Group 2: Evidence Translation – Framework, Consensus, and Guidelines
Work Group 2 (Leads: Profs Cristina Cortis, Italy and Paul Mork, Norway) focused on establishing frameworks and guidelines to translate research findings into practical interventions aimed at improving physical activity behaviours, especially among youth:
- EuropeaN Physical Activity Determinants (EN-PAD) Framework: This framework targets adolescents, aiming to consolidate a pan-European understanding of physical activity determinants.
- Guidelines for Translating Determinants into Policies and Interventions: Emphasising adolescent-focused determinants, this guideline helps shape effective policy measures.
- Best Evidence Statements: These statements summarise evidence on physical activity determinants across age groups – children, adolescents, adults, and older adults: providing an essential reference for targeted health promotion strategies.
The Work Group’s interactive workshop, led by Dr. Fiona Ling, engaged participants in ‘A Whole-Systems Approach to Tackle Physical Inactivity.’ Through a systems mapping exercise, participants explored the complex web of determinants and actors affecting physical activity behaviours. This collaborative exercise allowed members to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, emphasising the need for cross-sectoral involvement in combating inactivity.
Work Group 3: Measurement of Physical Activity Behaviour Determinants
Work Group 3 (Leads: Profs Mekdes Gebremariam, Norway and José Ribeiro, Portugal) addressed the measurement of determinants that influence physical activity behaviours (PABs) with a particular focus on standardisation:
- Core Measures for 9-12-Year-Olds: The group proposed an approach for identifying core measures tailored to this age group, ensuring consistency in data collection across studies.
- Consensus on Terminology: To avoid ambiguity, Work Group 3 established a unified terminology regarding determinants of PABs, supporting clearer communication and comparability in research.
An engaging workshop, led by Prof. José Ribeiro, delved into ‘Measuring Physical Activity Behaviour Determinant Profiles.’ Participants tested a newly developed questionnaire via an online platform, with the goal of refining this tool to capture accurate, reliable data. The interactive element allowed attendees to provide valuable feedback, contributing to the questionnaire’s further development.
Work Group 4: Insights from the Proof of Concept (PoC) Study
Work Group 4 (Leads: Profs Eco De Geus and Hidde van der Ploeg, Netherlands) presented insights gained from the DE-PASS Proof of Concept Study, a pivotal part of the project that tested data collection methods and evaluated processes:
- Training Schools and Process Evaluation: The group recapped the training schools held during the Action and summarised findings from the D4.2 Report, covering data collection experiences and process evaluations.
- Current Database Overview: Participants received an overview of the DE-PASS database, showcasing the breadth of data collected from various sites and outlining the future potential for this resource.
Work Group 4 also facilitated two hands-on workshops focused on ‘Harmonised Data Processing.’ In the first session, participants learned the technical steps involved in converting raw data into organised data frames. The second workshop adopted a ‘Do-It-Yourself’ approach, enabling participants from DE-PASS data collection sites to apply these methods to their local datasets. This practical experience empowered attendees with tools to handle data consistently, ensuring reliable, comparable results across research teams. Attendees also included eight of the doctoral candidates from the MSCA Doctoral Network ‘INDEEP’ (INtervention on the DEterminants of, and Expertise in, Physical activity behaviours). INDEEP , coordinated by Dr Kieran Dowd (TUS Athlone) and WG4 Deliverable Lead, aims to develop the next generation of experts equipped to address physical activity challenges with innovative methodologies.
Looking Forward: The DE-PASS Legacy
In addition to closing discussions and a final Management Committee meeting, the event emphasised DE-PASS’s enduring influence. The project’s comprehensive insights into physical activity determinants and policy frameworks will continue through new networks, including INDEEP which aims to develop the next generation of experts equipped to address physical activity challenges with innovative methodologies. As DE-PASS wraps up, the final event stands as a testament to the collaborative spirit and commitment of all members who contributed to this impactful research endeavour.
Rhoda Sohun is the Grant Manager for the DE-PASS COST Action (CA19101) and a Senior Technical Officer in the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences at UL. For more information see here: PURE Profile
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