Rörelsefaktor is a tool that helps to highlight and integrate physical activity issues in urban planning and construction. It is based on existing research and knowledge and adds what has been missing. Rörelsefaktor takes a comprehensive approach to all types of movement and illustrates the factors in the built environment that affect opportunities for physical activity. The tool can be used at several scales, from overall plans to the design of a residential yard, or to analyze an existing environment.

The tool has been developed since 2019 by FOJAB and the Swedish Sports Confederation. Municipalities from all over the country, state authorities and private actors have participated in the work. Pilot versions have been tested over time until the current version is completed.

Rörelsefaktor is a process support that raises and clarifies issues of physical activity from different perspectives and is advantageously used to gather different competencies. It can be used by different roles in an organization, both public and private. For example, those who work with urban planning, traffic, green structure, sports facilities and schools. The work is best done in collaboration!

The tool consists of worksheets and is designed to address all different types of physical activity in one context: organized sport, self-organized sport, everyday activity and active transport. The four types of movement are evaluated from four perspectives: interaction, spaces and paths, proximity and functions. These are parameters that are important to monitor in order to increase opportunities for movement.

The work process is structured in four stages and is documented in turn using easy-to-use worksheets. Step 1 is about creating an overall picture of the current situation and objectives. Step 2 tests the movement factor for the area through scoring. Step 3 is about drawing conclusions from the summarized results. Step 4 summarizes the measures required to achieve the target image for the area.

Working in a structured way with movement also creates other added values in addition to those linked to physical activity, such as security, equality and equity, children's perspective, social perspective, sustainable transport, natural values, participation and collaboration.

"Movement factor is a way to activate people for good health and activate the city for a vibrant urban life!"

FOJAB and the Swedish Sports Confederation are happy to help you test the tool, get in touch and we'll tell you more.