Physical Activity in Diverse Populations: Evidence and Practice

The health benefits associated with regular physical activity are now widely recognized. This book examines how social determinants such as race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation and disability can impact on physical activity and its associated health outcomes. It explores the social, cultural, political and environmental factors that influence engagement in physical activity in a range of diverse populations and presents evidence-based, culturally appropriate strategies for targeting and promoting physical activity participation.

Each chapter considers how the social determinants that impact on health are formed by the environments in which people live, work, learn and play. Incorporating a series of original case studies, this book analyzes physical activity behaviors in groups such as:

• African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans and Native Americans

• military veterans and physically disabled populations

• low-income populations

• rural populations

• LGBT populations

It also includes a variety of useful features such as key terms, summary points and critical thinking questions, as well as a chapter on international perspectives.

Physical Activity in Diverse Populations: Evidence and Practice is vital reading for any course touching on social factors in physical activity behavior.

Melissa Bopp is an associate professor of kinesiology at Pennsylvania State University, USA. Her research expertise includes community-based strategies for promoting physical activity. She has worked extensively with underserved populations in a variety of settings. She has been teaching undergraduate and graduate students about health disparities in underserved populations for more than 10 years.