Piecing the puzzle together: case studies of international research in health-promoting sports clubs

Abstract

This paper seeks to review the current international health-promoting sports club (HPSC) research, drawing together findings based on case studies from various countries to illustrate the status of HPSCs. In addition, future challenges for HPSC research and implementation are considered. The review includes six case studies from five countries. In summary, there are two major research themes in this area, namely 'research into HPSC activity' and 'research into HPSC networks'. The first theme investigates the extent to which sports clubs and/or national sports organisations invest in health promotion (HP) - both in policy and practice. The latter theme is driven by an intention to widen the scope of HPSCs to reach novel internal actors, like parents, siblings, etc., and/or external non-sporting bodies, like communities, schools, etc. The future challenges for HPSC research require a better understanding of the motives, barriers and capacities of sports clubs and coaches. Sports organisations, clubs and coaches generally support the intent of the HPSC concept, but even with the best evidence- or theory-based HP programmes/guidelines/standards, nothing will happen in practice if the nature and capacities of sports clubs are not better acknowledged. Therefore, a call for embracing implementation science is finally made to enhance implementation.

Community sports clubs: are they only about playing sport, or do they have broader health promotion and social responsibilities?

“…Internationally there are a range of health promotion practices and policies being implemented in sport clubs. These include sport injury prevention, smoke-free environments, responsible serving of alcohol, sun protection, healthy eating, healthy beverages, and creating welcoming and inclusive environments (Nicholson and Hoye, 2008;Kelly et al 2010;Kelly et al 2014;Kokko, Donaldson et al 2015). Others are more directed at governance (Kokko, Donaldson et al 2015).…”

The Start2Bike program is effective in increasing health-enhancing physical activity: a controlled study

“…However, still little is known about the effectiveness of these initiatives on increasing HEPA levels [24]. There is a request for an evaluation of activities in controlled studies, assessing both short- and longer-term effects [25, 26].…”

Coaches’ Health Promotion Activity and Substance Use in Youth Sports

“…The current situation, however, appears that these macro level objectives have not yet converted into practical actions [17]. The concept of health promoting sport clubs has expanded to several countries over the recent years and been adopted and developed further [20]. Responsible alcohol use and restricting smoking have been essential components in health promoting sports clubs activities [13,21].…”