Methodology
Process description and evaluation of Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines development
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* Corresponding author: Mark S Tremblay mtremblay@cheo.on.ca
1 Healthy Active Living and Obesity Research Group (HALO), Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, 401 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1 Canada
2 Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, 1200 Main Street West, MDCL 3200, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3Z5 Canada
3 Population Health Program, University of Ottawa, 1 Stewart Street, Ottawa, ON, K1N 6N5 Canada
4 Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology, 185 Somerset Street West, Suite 202, Ottawa, ON, K2P 0J2 Canada
International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity 2010, 7:42 doi:10.1186/1479-5868-7-42
Published: 11 May 2010Abstract
Background
This paper describes the process used to arrive at recommended physical activity guidelines for Canadian school-aged children and youth (5-17 years), adults (18-64 years) and older adults (≥65 years).
Methods
The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP) Physical Activity Measurement and Guidelines (PAMG) Steering Committee used the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research Evaluation (AGREE II) Instrument to inform the guideline development process. Fourteen background papers and five systematic reviews were completed. Systematic review authors appraised and synthesized the data, and proposed specific recommendations at an international consensus conference of invited experts and key stakeholders. Independently, an international panel of experts interpreted the evidence from the systematic reviews and developed recommendations following attendance at the Consensus Conference.
Results
Using the AGREE II instrument as a guide, specific foci for each of the guidelines were defined and systematic review methodology was used to synthesize the evidence base. The expert panel, CSEP PAMG Steering Committee and methodological consultants reviewed the systematic reviews and Consensus Statement. The expert panel achieved consensus on the level of evidence informing the physical activity guidelines and developed a separate document outlining key recommendations, interpretation of the evidence and justification of each recommendation.
Conclusion
The CSEP and Public Health Agency of Canada followed a rigorous process to examine the evidence informing potential revisions to existing physical activity guidelines for Canadians. It is believed that this is the first physical activity guideline development process in the world to be guided and assessed by AGREE II and AMSTAR instruments.