The International Physical Activity and Environment Network (IPEN) was established to invite and support investigators around the world to take part in research exploring the impact of our environment on physical activity.
Physical inactive lifestyles are becoming more prevalent worldwide, and as a result, so are the chronic diseases they cause. Therefore, this area of research holds substantial public health significance. IPEN encourages investigators from multiple disciplines around the world to conduct rigorous research on physical activity and the environment. IPEN promotes the use of common methods and measures, with the ultimate goal of utilizing research findings to advocate for evidence-based environmental and policy changes. Through these efforts, IPEN therefore aims to support and advance international initiatives that promote physical activity
Founders
Professor Jim Sallis
San Diego State University, USA
Dr. Isle DeBourdeaudhuij
Ghent University, Belgium
Professor Neville Owen
The University of Queensland, Australia
History
The International Physical Activity and the Environment Network (IPEN) was founded by Professor Jim Sallis (USA), Dr. Ilse DeBourdeaudhuij (Belgium) and Professor Neville Owen (Australia). It was launched at the International Congress of Behavioral Medicine in Mainz Germany in August 2004.
In 2009, the NIH funded IPEN Adult Study. The study aimed to further the field by addressing underestimated associations of environmental correlates of physical activity due to the limited range of environments in any single country.
In 2012 the NIH funded the launch of the IPEN Adolescent study. The study aimed to to explore how the environment was associated with the physical activity, sedentary time, and weight status of adolescents (11-19years) across 15 geographically and culturally diverse countries.
Location
The current Coordinating Center of The International Physical Activity and Environment Network is at Australian Catholic University, The Behaviour, Environment and Cognition Research Program.
Level 5, 215 Spring St, Melbourne,
Victoria, Australia, 3000