A Graphical, Computer-Based Decision-Support Tool to Help Decision Makers Evaluate Policy Options Relating to Physical Activity

This pilot study builds on efforts to develop evaluation methods to compare and contrast potential strategies designed to increase population physical activity generally, and to reduce disparities in activity levels more specifically. The study presents a user-friendly, semi-quantitative decision-support tool of intermediate complexity that may better enable quick, flexible first-pass “ballpark” decision making by state and local health agencies instead of traditional evidence-based scientific reviews. The tool produces a summary score from ratings on 18 criteria, adjusted by fixed or variable weights to incorporate salient community contextual factors. Stair use, workplace activity breaks, and school construction siting are presented as samples. This first iteration of the decision-support tool is intended to be refined empirically by the experiences and policy outcomes of agencies adopting the innovation. This decision-support tool may expand the capacity of public health practitioners to conduct first-pass assessments of policy options for physical activity promotion in underserved communities.