ABSTRACT
This part introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters. The part focuses on the concepts and contexts that inform and frame physical activity policy, and focus on the influence and responsibility of individuals and structures or systems in relation to physical activity. It explores the extent to which systems theories have been presented as a response, or even a solution, to the structure and agency interaction. The part focuses on the logic of interventions and shows that, despite longstanding debate and discussion about what shapes behaviours, interventions to change behaviour have remained relatively simple and relatively blunt, focusing on the individual and attempting to either regulate or incentivise behaviours. It argues that physical activity has more to offer than purely health benefits, but also contextualises their discussions of how global and national policy should be developed with reference to World Health Organization guidelines for health-enhancing physical activity and the Toronto Charter for Physical Activity.
