Enhancing Physical Activity Engagement Among Disadvantaged Population Groups

Researchers and clinicians point to engagement in physical activity as a critical health promotion mechanism, reducing risk for serious health conditions (e.g., obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease) and contributing to positive health benefits (e.g., physical function, well-being, quality of life). Many physical activity interventions have been developed and evaluated in the general population, while much less attention has been devoted to the promotion and enhancement of physical activity across the lifespan for individuals facing distinctive cognitive, physical, emotional or social barriers. 

To promote health-enhancing physical activity across the lifespan for disadvantaged populations, this Research Topic encourages innovative research that explores the challenges (e.g., barriers, needs, limitations) that inhibit lifelong physical activity among disadvantaged populations; and/or proposes or examines solutions (e.g., models, mechanisms, interventions) to address these challenges among disadvantaged populations. Disadvantages may include, but are not limited to: ability, injury, socio-economic status, age, culture/ethnicity, gender/sexual orientation, etc. To fill critical gaps in the literature, we encourage research that addresses physical activity across multiple levels of the socio-ecological model and/or research from a multi-disciplinary lens. Consideration of the topic of “physical literacy” as part of the design or interpretation of a given study is recommended.

We welcome submissions addressing, but not limited to, the following topics:

·      Facilitators and/or barriers for physical activity engagement in specific disadvantaged populations

·      Physical literacy levels and strategies to promote physical literacy among individuals facing challenges for sustained engagement in physical activity

·      Strategies and interventions to promote sustained engagement in physical activity for specific disadvantaged populations

·      Strength-based approaches to promote emotional and social benefits for youth from socially vulnerable backgrounds

·      Program development for enhancing physical activity and physical literacy for disadvantaged populations

·      Assessment tools for measuring physical activity levels and physical literacy development for specific disadvantaged populations