University campus settings and the promotion of physical activity in young adults: lessons from research in Australia and the USA

Describes the decreasing prevalence of physical activity participation over the young adult years and the patterns of difference in the physical activity habits of young men and young women. Physical activity habits during the young adult years are likely to be important influences on habitual physical activity during overall adult life and, consequently, have significant implications for long-term health outcomes. Tertiary-education campuses are settings where there exist important yet partially neglected opportunities to influence the physical activity habits of young adults. Uses examples from Australia and the USA are used to characterise relevant contextual and practical aspects of the campus setting and the physical activity promotion opportunities that it may provide. Reviews findings from two campus-based physical activity intervention studies. In conclusion, identifies a set of issues that require further research.