Inequities and inequalities in outdoor walking groups: a scoping review

Abstract

Background: Outdoor walking groups are widely-used programmes aimed at improving physical activity and health outcomes. Despite being promoted as accessible and inclusive, emerging work highlights participation biases based on gender, age and socioeconomic status, for example. To explicate the impact of outdoor walking groups on physical activity inequities, we conducted a scoping review of published outdoor walking group literatures. Specifically, we critically examined: (a) equity integration strategies; (b) intervention reach; (c) effectiveness; and (d) potential social determinants of engagement relating to the World Health Organization's conceptual framework. Methods: Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review protocol was used to develop a comprehensive search strategy and identify relevant academic and grey literatures, which were screened using pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were organised by Cochrane PROGRESS-Plus equity characteristics and a narrative summary was presented for each thematic area. Findings: Sixty-two publications were included. Key findings were: (a) some evidence of targeted intervention trials. Large-scale national programmes were tailored to regional activity and health needs, which may contribute toward addressing inequities. However, participant demographics seldom informed reported analyses; (b) participation was more likely among white, more socioeconomically advantaged, middle-to-older aged, female and able-bodied adults; (c) positive physical and psychological outcomes were unlikely to extend along social gradients; and (d) interventions primarily addressed intermediary determinants (e.g. psychosocial barriers; material resource). Social capital (e.g. friend-making) was identified as potentially important for addressing physical activity inequalities.

Still striding toward social justice? Redirecting physical activity research in a post-COVID-19 world

“…Americans of color have consistently voiced the need for increased social support to increase their own physical activity [ 86–88 ]. With COVID-19 limiting physical activity, as individuals, we can create community walking/biking groups with diverse participation where individuals exercise outdoors and wear masks [ 89 , 90 ]. We can also amplify the reach and impact of existing community groups, like GirlTrek, Black Girls Run!, and Latinos Run, groups who focus on activating communities of color via advocacy efforts (see above) [ 91 , 92 ].…”

Behavioral and Demographic Predictors of Exercise During A COVID-19 Lockdown in Three Ghanaian Cities

“…Question 24 presented the 4-item scale used to measure physical health. The 'one question per page' design option that comes with the most legible text [21] was chosen.…”

“…While many studies have assessed factors associated with exercise or PA uptake during a COVID-19 lockdown [18][19][20], no identi able study has examined personal and behavioral factors associated with the ability of individuals to meet recommended exercise levels, which include exercising for at least 10 minutes in a typical day [8]. Since exercising is not an aspect of the culture in Africa [13,21], a study assessing behavioral predictors of the ability of residents in an African setting to meet recommended exercise levels during a COVID-19 lockdown can provide very useful information for health promotion, at least in developing countries. Information from such a study is needed to develop a pro le of those who could exercise during a COVID-19 lockdown and draw on this pro le to develop a public health education program aimed at enabling individuals who are not used to the culture of exercising to keep active during a lockdown.…”

Challenges, opportunities and solutions for local physical activity stakeholders: an implementation case study from a cross-sectoral physical activity network in Northeast England

“…To enhance implementation, it is important for policy to recognise that mechanisms underpinning effective PA programmes will differ by person, context and place [ 22 , 23 ]. For example, compared to men and younger adults, women and older adults more readily engage in exercise referral schemes and outdoor walking groups [ 24 , 25 ].…”