HEL613 Evidence Based Physical Activity (Høst 2026)

• EX-606 Researching Health and Sport Sciences: Philosophical and Methodological Foundations
• ME-617 Systematic Reviews and Evidence Synthesis
• ME-626 General Quantitative Research Methods and/or ME-618 Qualitative research methods

On successful completion of the course, the candidate has:

Knowledge about

• landmark studies within physical activity epidemiology
• how physical activity guidelines are developed and implemented
• how physical activity can be assessed, and how various assessment methods might influence the relationship between physical activity and health related outcomes
• the evidence behind the association between physical inactivity and non-communicable diseases, as well as conditions as overweight/obesity
• risks and side-effects associated with physical activity
• behavioral change strategies associated with physical activity

Skills

• can critically evaluate, interpret and disseminate results within physical activity epidemiology
• can critically evaluate assessment methods used in physical activity epidemiology
• can formulate relevant research questions and plan the implementation of physical activity-based interventions

General competence

• can communicate physical activity and health relationships through scientific and popular scientific channels

• Historical overview of relevant epidemiological studies
• Study design and causal relationship within physical activity epidemiology
• Critical reflections with respect to physical activity measures including a practical workshop
• Physical activity and fitness levels in the population
• Physical inactivity and the association with non-communicable diseases (such as diabetes, cancer, etc.) and conditions like overweight and obesity
• Risks and side-effects of physical activity
• Intervention and implementation
• Behavioral aspects of changing physical activity behavior