INDEEP

The INtervention on the DEterminants of, and Expertise in, Physical activity behaviours (INDEEP) research programme and training network will train a new generation of doctoral researchers who will gain expertise in innovative, interdisciplinary research activity in physical activity (PA) and health promotion. Specifically, the doctoral network will support the theoretical and applied development of the state-of-the-art of determinants of PA and evidence-based population level PA interventions, by promoting international, interdisciplinary and intersectoral mobility across the PA for health sector. Progressing the work achieved in the JPI HDHL DEDIPAC KH, COST Action CA19101 (DE-PASS) responded directly to the gaps and research needs in relation to the absence of European harmonised data on PA and their determinants. Grounded in DE-PASS, the INDEEP network seeks to generate excellence in research and training, providing graduates that will advance the state-of-the-art in PA promotion, through a comprehensive understanding of the associated determinants. INDEEP addresses the need for a genuinely multidisciplinary approach to addressing the challenges of improving PA in youth and across the lifespan, arising from the poor efficacy of existing approaches to PA change. The network ultimately aims to provide an intervention development toolbox, supporting the integration of determinants of PA behaviours, behaviour change theory and intervention co-creation to aid in the development of evidence-based interventions which integrate top-down and bottom-up intervention approaches. Outcomes beyond the lifetime of this project have the potential to have important societal and global impacts, including contributing to achieve many of the Bangkok Declaration Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including contributing to good health and well-being, gender equality, work and economic growth, reduced societal inequalities, sustainable communities and climate action.

The INDEEP research program and training network is designed to train a new generation of PhD students in cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research focused on physical activity (PA) and health promotion. This program aims to advance our understanding of what influences people’s physical activity levels and to develop effective population-level interventions. By fostering international collaboration across various sectors related to PA for health, the network seeks to overcome the lack of harmonized European data on physical activity and its determinants. INDEEP builds upon previous projects by creating a comprehensive educational framework that promotes a deep understanding of the factors affecting PA. The ultimate goal is to develop a toolkit for creating interventions that successfully encourage physical activity, using both top-down (policy-driven) and bottom-up (community-driven) approaches. These efforts have the potential for significant societal benefits, aligning with global goals such as promoting good health, gender equality, economic growth, reducing inequalities, building sustainable communities, and taking climate action.