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COVID-19 : Implications for physical activity, health disparities, and health equity
Hasson, Rebecca Sallis, James F. Coleman, Nailah Kaushal, Navin Nocera, Vincenzo G. Keith, NiCole
Hasson, Rebecca
Sallis, James F.
Coleman, Nailah
Kaushal, Navin
Nocera, Vincenzo G.
Keith, NiCole
Abstract
Physical activity is one of the most efficacious pathways to promoting mental and physical health, preventing disease, and, most important during the COVID-19 pandemic, bolstering a stronger immune system. Efforts to “flatten the curve” have resulted in the temporary closure of exercise facilities and gyms, suspension of sport activities, and advisories to avoid public recreational spaces. All of these changes have made traditional opportunities to be physically active difficult to access. These changes have also exacerbated existing disparities in access to social and environmental supports for physical activity, potentially contributing to a widening gap in physical activity participation among those at greatest risk for COVID-19. Physical activity can play a special role in reducing the inequitable consequences of COVID-19; however, expansion and better targeting of evidence-informed interventions are needed that address the unique barriers present in communities that have been economically and socially marginalized to achieve health equity in COVID-19 outcomes. This review highlights effective and feasible strategies that provide more equitable access to physical activity programs and spaces across the United States. With a renewed investment in physical activity, this behavior can play a crucial role in improving population health and reducing disparities during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
Keywords
coronavirus, race/ethnicity, disabilities, health inequities, physical inactivity, sedentary behavior
Date
2021
Type
Journal article
Journal
American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine
Book
Volume
16
Issue
4
Page Range
420-433
Article Number
ACU Department
Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research
Faculty of Health Sciences
Faculty of Health Sciences
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
All rights reserved
File Access
Controlled