Physical activity research: identifying the synergistic relationships between individual, social and environmental factors to promote active lifestyles

Physical inactivity is a major contributor to many of the leading causes of death [1, 2], including obesity that has reached epidemic proportions. The prevalence of chronic diseases in the United States is high and predicted to continue increasing over the next decade as the average age of the population increases. The benefits of physical activity for overall health and disease prevention are well documented [3]. Despite its numerous benefits, a vast majority of Americans do not engage in regular physical activity [4, 5]. Much has been learned about the determinants of physical activity; however, considerable work remains to be done. This special issue Health Education Research is focused on physical activity. A significant branch of research in this area has been guided by a behavior change-psychological model that seeks to identify personal factors that stimulate increases in physical activity. Alongside this research, there has been a growing focus on the role of social and environmental factors, including policy, in influencing physical activity behaviors. The socioecological model has been recommended by the Institute of Medicine and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a framework for increasing physical activity and decreasing obesity [6, 7]. Studies based on these different theoretical frameworks share a common purpose of identifying the determinants that influence physical activity behaviors, whether personal, social or environmental. Collectively, this research is expanding our knowledge base, which is vital to the development of population-based programs to increase physical activity.