Two base documents for Switzerland: "Health-Enhancing Physical Activity" and "Muscle-Powered Mobility"

There is growing interest in the promotion of health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) among public and private institutions in different sectors and on all levels. In view of this development there is a need for evidence-based communication material for partners to be used in advocacy and for guidance in interventions. A first base document “Health-Enhancing Physical Activity” was introduced in 1999 following the example of the Dutch manifesto. In 2006, the document was thouroghly revised in coordination with the development of a comparable European document. Its five parts are: health effects and recommendations, physical activity behaviour, economic estimates, determinants and interventions to increase physical activity. The development of the base document “Muscle-Powered Mobility” was part of a work package of Switzerland’s National Sports Policy. Specific reviews were carried out, combining international and national experiences. The document was structured along the model of the HEPA base document. The format of the base documents has been successful in Switzerland and has contributed to increasing knowledge and understanding in the field. In order to keep up with the state of the art, it is necessary to carry out regular reviews and revisions of the documents.