Researching Those Who Have the Most to Gain: Focused Physical Activity Promotion in Lower Socioeconomic Populations

• Published in: Current cardiovascular risk reports Vol. 6; no. 4; pp. 355 - 361
• Main Authors: Lee, Rebecca E., Adamus-Leach, Heather J., Cheung, Kyle C., Soltero, Erica G., Lopez, Ygnacio, Saavedra, Fiorella, Noor, Munazza, Mama, Scherezade K.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Current Science Inc 01.08.2012; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Behavior; Built environment; Cardiology; Community involvement; Commuting; Ecological models; Employment; Environmental factors; Exercise; Intervention; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Neighborhoods; Obesity; Physical Activity (DER Warburton; Physical fitness; Public health; Schools; Section Editor; Socioeconomic factors; Socioeconomics; United States > US; Socioeconomic status; Low income; Physical activity; Health promotion
• ISSN: 1932-9520; 1932-9563
• DOI: 10.1007/s12170-012-0243-3

Physical inactivity is among the most pressing public health challenges facing industrialized nations, and low socioeconomic status (SES) populations report lower rates of physical activity than high SES populations. The Ecologic Model of Physical Activity (EMPA) accounts for individual, social and environmental factors that contribute to physical activity, and can be used to demonstrate possible pathways by which SES may influence physical activity, illuminating strategies for intervention. This review examines current approaches to physical activity promotion in low SES populations couched within the EMPA. Findings suggest that limitations and challenges remain for physical activity promotion in low SES populations. Coordinated and consistent physical activity promotion efforts, targeting multiple levels of influence and a range of settings, including political, corporate and community support, are needed to prevent and treat the disparity in physical activity in this vulnerable population.