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

Abstract

The COVID-19 crisis and parallel Black Lives Matter movement have amplified longstanding systemic injustices among people of color (POC). POC have been differentially affected by COVID-19, reflecting the disproportionate burden of ongoing chronic health challenges associated with socioeconomic inequalities and unhealthy behaviors, including a lack of physical activity. Clear and well-established benefits link daily physical activity to health and well-being—physical, mental, and existential. Despite these benefits, POC face additional barriers to participation. Thus, increasing physical activity among POC requires additional considerations so that POC can receive the same opportunities to safely participate in physical activity as Americans who are White. Framed within the Ecologic Model of Physical Activity, this commentary briefly describes health disparities in COVID-19, physical activity, and chronic disease experienced by POC; outlines underlying putative mechanisms that connect these disparities; and offers potential solutions to reduce these disparities. As behavioral medicine leaders, we advocate that solutions must redirect the focus of behavioral research toward community-informed and systems solutions.

Isotemporal Substitution of Sedentary Time With Physical Activity Among Middle-Aged and Older Latinos: Effects on Episodic Memory

“…Nonetheless, it is important to highlight that both Latinos and African Americans engage in high levels of sedentary behavior, 52 so future studies should continue to explore the potential health benefits of light PA on cognition, given that lighter intensities may be more acceptable among minoritized populations. 5,52 Sensitivity analyses, consisting of combining the LLPA and HLPA variables to represent a total light PA variable within an isotemporal model, were run to better interpret the findings that LLPA, but not HLPA nor moderate-to-vigorous PA were significantly and positively associated with the cognitive outcomes. The analysis revealed that substituting sedentary behavior with total light PA was not significantly associated with any cognitive outcomes.…”

“…Lack of significant associations in our study may be due to our small sample size and warrants investigation with a larger sample size. Nonetheless, it is important to highlight that both Latinos and African Americans engage in high levels of sedentary behavior, 52 so future studies should continue to explore the potential health benefits of light PA on cognition, given that lighter intensities may be more acceptable among minoritized populations. 5,52…”

How Societal Forces of Change Are Transforming Youth Physical Activity Promotion in North America

“…36,37 The murders of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and other Black people in the United States have led to discussions about the connection between institutionalized discrimination, overt racism, and physical activity. 38,39 For example, Black people in the United States began voicing their fears and safety concerns in regard to being active in some settings (eg, running outdoors), modifying their exercise attire (eg, no hoodies), carrying identification while running, or ceasing to run outdoors altogether. [40][41][42][43] In Canada, Black and Indigenous people are 92% and 75%, respectively, more likely to report being discriminated against than are White individuals.…”

Equality- versus Equity-Based Approaches to Promoting Health and Fitness in Diverse Populations

“…Another effective strategy for tailoring your services or facility is to include community members in the planning and development process. Fostering genuine and equitable partnerships with community members and creating shared goals are both evidence-based strategies to promote equity and inclusion in your fitness facility (27,28). Another strategy that can help to reduce barriers to PA participation is "going where the people are" to bring your services into the community via shared-use agreements.…”