Table 2.

Proposed multi-level approaches for the promotion of regular physical activity among SAs.

Approaches
Communicate
Importance of cardiovascular disease as cause of premature death and morbidity in SAs
Use appealing messages: Improving activity levels can be simple, fun, help socialise, reduce stress, and lower risk of diabetes and heart disease
Engage
Empower SAs as advocates of their own, family and community cardiovascular health
Community leaders, local SA organizations and media
Employers
Healthcare professionals
Cardiovascular scientific societies
Local governments, public health service providers, healthcare managers
Interventions at the work place
Physically active commute: walk, cycle or mixed mode – if not on a daily basis, 1–3 times/week
Minimise periods of sitting
Increase physical activity: go for short walks, walking meetings, walk during phone calls, active lunch breaks, use stairs
Interventions during leisure time
Allocate at least 45min/day at least 5 days/week for brisk walking, dancing, or other cardio
Maximise participation in physically active group activities, local sports and competitions
Interventions in SA communities
Group information sessions
Education interventions encouraging SA boys and girls to take an interest in sports
Interventions targeting women
Structural interventions in key neighbourhoods
Increase availability of safe green spaces and walkable areas
Affordable fitness centres
Motivational tools
Wearable devices to monitor daily physical activity
Information technologies facilitating peer communication and competition
Incentives at the work place
Research
Cultural practices/beliefs regarding sedentary behaviours
Cultural adaptations maximising acceptability of interventions
Evaluate adherence and effectiveness

Abbreviations: SA, South Asian