In August 2003, the Centre was commissioned by the Department of Health to investigate the scientific evidence base for new physical activity promotion messages that encourage greater levels of public participation in physical activity. The project team includes Ken Fox (project director), Kate Fitzsimons (project manager), Anne Haase and Chris Riddoch.

Particular attention was drawn to the effects of promoting the concepts of accumulated activity (in bouts of 15 minutes or less), specifically focusing on lifestyle activity that occurs as part of daily routines. Priority was given to experimental research that directly addressed the fitness and health-related outcomes of multiple short bouts of activity, compared to single sustained bouts that expended equivalent total energy. The psycho-social literature was addressed to assess the impact of achieving activity recommendations through accumulated short bouts of activity on adoption and adherence to physical activity. Finally, evidence was sought that evaluated the effectiveness of public health campaigns using messages that endorsed accumulated short bouts of activity to promote activity prevalence and public health.

An international review panel of 13 members was recruited to scrutinise the final report, which is currently being prepared and will be published on the Department of Health's website