Understanding why the youth engage or don’t engage in physical activity presents a challenge with significant public health implications. The INDEEP project (INtervention on the DEterminants of, and Expertise in, Physical activity behaviours) is a pioneering Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network (MSCA) that brings together researchers, universities, and international partners to enhance our understanding of the determinants of physical activity behaviours in adolescents.
INDEEP is built around a team of 10 PhD candidates and leading experts, hosted across 8 European universities in 6 countries, who are dedicated to improving physical activity behaviours in adolescents through interdisciplinary, cutting-edge research and innovation. This international network is committed to bridging the gap between science, policy, and practice by investigating a wide range of determinants, from intrapersonal and interpersonal factors to environmental, genetic, and policy determinants.
Over the next year, the project will launch a comprehensive data collection effort across five European countries, including Ireland, Norway, Belgium, Germany, and Portugal, targeting a total of 300 families. Each data set will encompass not only adolescents but also caregivers, siblings, and peers to provide a thorough understanding of the influences on youth physical activity behaviours.
Beyond generating new knowledge, INDEEP aims to harmonize data collection methodologies and develop an evidence-based intervention toolkit to guide future strategies for promoting physical activity behaviours among practitioners and policymakers. Through INDEEP’s unique blend of academic research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and international training, INDEEP is establishing a foundation for impactful, science-informed approaches to enhance adolescent health.
To learn more about the INDEEP project and stay updated, visit: https://www.indeep-project.eu
Saba Toosinezhad is a Marie Curie PhD Fellow at PESS. Her PhD research focuses on the “Intrapersonal determinants of Physical Activity Behaviours in Children and Adolescents”.
Contact: Saba.Toosinezhad@ul.ie. Follow on twitter: @SabaToosinezhad. Research profiles: ORCID, Linked-In
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