What is an "evidence base"?

Research is one component of an "evidence base", along with past experiences, community preferences, and available resources. In the case of physical activity interventions, an evidence base is valuable to teachers, practitioners and community leaders by helping to answer the question: What interventions have been shown to be effective, and which ones may work in our school or community?

Research used for an "evidence base" is often tightly controlled and offers a rigorous examination of the outcomes, so that the findings of the study (positive or negative) can be attributed to the intervention itself, and no other factors.

How could this research be used?

These studies may help to generate ideas and discussion among individuals interested in improving children’s physical activity levels in Nova Scotia.

These research studies may help contribute to an "evidence base" for a physical activity intervention strategy, but caution should be used when generalizing findings from one individual study to your school or community"