A nation of couch potatoes? Physical activity, sedentary behaviour and health in Ireland

Effective national level health guidelines and policy must be based on accurate information about how physical activity and sedentary behaviour contribute to health. Research undertaken at the University of Limerick has utilised technology to accurately quantify levels of physical activity and sedentary behaviours, and has related these measures to both health indices and behavioural determinants. Publications based on these findings have been widely reported in the national media and referenced at government level. Members of UL’s Centre of Physical Activity and Health Research have contributed to the National Guidelines on Physical Activity for Ireland, Ireland’s National Physical Activity Plan and Ireland’s 2014 Report Card on Physical Activity in Children and Youth. The centre is currently taking a leading role in the Determinants of Diet and Physical Activity Choice (DEDIPAC) Knowledge Hub (www.dedipac.eu).