Physical Activity Promotion and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: Building Synergies to Maximize Impact

Abstract

Background: Many of the known solutions to the physical inactivity pandemic operate across sectors relevant to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Methods: The authors examined the contribution of physical activity promotion strategies toward achieving the SDGs through a conceptual linkage exercise, a scoping review, and an agent-based model. Results: Possible benefits of physical activity promotion were identified for 15 of the 17 SDGs, with more robust evidence supporting benefits for SDGs 3 (good health and well-being), 9 (industry, innovation, and infrastructure), 11 (sustainable cities and communities), 13 (climate action), and 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions). Current evidence supports prioritizing at-scale physical activity-promoting transport and urban design strategies and community-based programs. Expected physical activity gains are greater for low-and middle-income countries. In high-income countries with high car dependency, physical activity promotion strategies may help reduce air pollution and traffic-related deaths, but shifts toward more active forms of travel and recreation, and climate change mitigation, may require complementary policies that disincentivize driving. Conclusions: The authors call for a synergistic approach to physical activity promotion and SDG achievement, involving multiple sectors beyond health around their goals and values, using physical activity promotion as a lever for a healthier planet.

Scaling up urban infrastructure for physical activity in the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond

“…2 Designing and planning activity-promoting cities can help prevent premature mortality, 3 reduce the high costs associated with physical inactivity, 4,5 and help countries achieve some of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 6 During the COVID-19 pandemic, Scaling up urban infrastructure for physical activity in the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond with bothersome shoulder pain. Compared with no injection, injection provided superior outcomes at 8 weeks for pain and function as well as most other patient-relevant secondary outcomes, including insomnia severity and return to desired activities.…”

“…As noted by Hopewell and colleagues, image guidance is unnecessary and adds significantly to the costs but not to the benefits. 6,10 Further trials of these interventions are unnecessary because they are unlikely to alter the conclusions from this well conducted trial. By contrast with previous trials, its strengths include its large size, adequately powered to assess the independent effects of two relevant interventions, inclusion of a comprehensively described progressive exercise programme that reflects usual practice, and its parallel economic analysis.…”

Can Links to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Revitalize the Discipline of Physical Activity?

“…The paper by Salvo et al 1 is a bold and visionary contribution to reframing the physical activity (PA) agenda by demonstrating links to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are a framework for solving "wicked" global problems, including poverty reduction, improving societal and individual health and well-being, reducing gender and other inequalities, and most importantly, action on climate change.…”

“…The relationship between implementing PA plans and many SDG indicators are mutually supportive and bidirectional, as are the benefits. 1 If the planetary health agenda is taken seriously, then PA promotion is an immediate part of the solution. Upstream PA efforts are needed, targeting complex socioenvironmental causes of inactive populations, an approach reinforced by WHO.…”

Plan Globally and Act Locally for Physical Activity?

“…Unfortunately, there is no standardized global database of physical activity policy for cities so we must rely on case studies drawn from the enormous heterogeneity of city public health efforts. 3,12 There are stellar examples of cities in both high-income countries (i.e., Copenhagen) and low-and middleincome countries (i.e., Bogotá and Mexico City) that have transformed public space to prioritize pedestrians, cycling, public transit, and green space in ways that have increased physical activity. 3,7,12 However, many of these transformations occurred without much formal public health policy or leadership from the public health sector.…”