Continued need for training in Physical Activity for the prevention and treatment of disease

2010-05-21

The Swedish National Public Health Institute received a government assignment in 2008 to spread the knowledge about the book FYSS, as well as support the development of training and education in the field of physical activity for disease prevention and treatment.

FYSS is a book about Physical Activity in the prevention and treatment of disease, it summarizes up-to-date scientific knowledge in how to prevent and treat various conditions using physical activity. The book covers most areas where physical activity has a documented effect on disease and other conditions. The book is used as a tool for licensed health care staff in prescribing physical activities. It is also useful as a handbook for the field of physical activity.

During 2008 and 2009, over 4000 health care staff in all Swedish health care counties participated in the training. The evaluations demonstrate that:

• The majority of the participants were content or very content with the courses. Many of them thought that the courses contributed to a larger use of the book in their daily work.
• Managers of health centers answered that the book were used half of the times when prescribing physical activity.
• The users of the book used it as a tool or handbook, but there is room for improvement, for example there’s a lack of information about physical activitiy for people with disabilities.
• There’s a need for more training and education in the field of physical activity for the prevention and treatment of disease.