Awareness of and attitudes to the new physical activity recommendations--perceptions of attenders of the 5th IOC World Congress on Sport Science.

New evidence suggests that regular moderate intensity physical activity confers substantial health benefits. This information needs to be conveyed to exercise and sports professionals, as they have a potential lead role in broader public education to encourage physical activity. This study reports data from a survey of attenders at a sports medicine/sports science conference in Sydney in November 1999. Of the 292 who responded, only one third had ever heard of the United States Surgeon General's report on physical activity and health, and 43% had heard of the Active Australia initiative. Those who were members of Sports Medicine Australia (SMA), female or younger responders were more likely to recall Active Australia. An understanding of the moderate physical activity message was highest among sports physicians, and those who already perceived physical activity advice to be part of their role, and lowest among exercise and posrts scientists. The study suggests the need for professional education strategies to be developed in this area for exercise and sports scientists.