Getting the inactive active: barriers to physical activity and their potential policy solutions

This evidence review is the first output from a SPICe academic fellowship exploring barriers to physical activity. It examines the evidence base regarding physical activity in Scotland to determine current barriers, identify knowledge gaps, and highlight potential policy solutions. A further briefing summarising the findings from the researchers' interviews with relevant stakeholders will be published in due course. Views expressed in this briefing are those of the authors and not those of SPICe or of the Scottish Parliament.

Summary of key findings from existing evidence base

The sporting landscape in Scotland is a complex field to navigate, which is further complicated by a series of external shocks and internal political challenges faced by the Scottish Government. Whilst many of the policy levers that shape decisions over where resources are focused, including for addressing physical inactivity, are held by the Scottish Government, the current financial climate means that significant increases to funding are unlikely, and existing real term reductions in local authority funding for sport and physical activity (PA) are expected to continue to have a negative impact upon participation1 . In this context realising the World Health Organisation's global target of a 15% relative reduction in physical inactivity amongst adults and adolescents by 2030 set out in the recent Framework for Physical Activity and Health2 is a major challenge. If a significant impact is not made towards this target, then the costs of physical inactivity will continue to rise and significantly impact the National Health Service, economic development, community well-being and quality of life for all34.

In consideration of the current political and financial landscape, the following points present what is currently known about the successes and challenges of raising participation in sport and PA in Scotland.

♦Universal access to sport and PA in Scotland remains challenging with issues of social class, poverty, gender, and geography as significant barriers to sport and PA participation5.

♦Inequalities in PA and sport participation levels remain stubbornly present regarding disparities in age, gender, and socioeconomic status6.

♦Poverty and material deprivation are experienced widely but unevenly across Scotland. People living in the most deprived areas of Scotland are much less likely to participate in sport. Ultimately, where we live shapes our health and our sport and PA opportunities.

♦Scotland has disproportionately poor health outcomes. Health inequalities are concentrated in particular areas and have been sustained over an extended period.

♦People facing deprivation experience greater benefit from taking part in sport and PA than those from less disadvantaged circumstances. Targeted and specific provision would increase sporting opportunities for people experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage7.

♦Despite policy intentions, rates of participation in sport and PA have remained relatively static alongside diversifying patterns of participation including the increase in fitness related activities6.

♦There is a growing disparity between children and young people who are physically active and those who are not9. Pupils living in the most deprived 20% areas in Scotland are most likely to be inactive - 35% of this group overall, compared to 23% for those in the 20% least deprived areas10.

♦For many young females, sport is a social activity which is about fun, friendship, family and foster social relationships.

♦There are considerable variations in participation across different local authorities in Scotland. Children from urban environments are often less active than children from rural communities11.

♦Poverty and deprivation negatively impact participation in sport by people with disabilities. Significant levels of sedentary behaviour have been noted amongst people with a disability, which negatively impacts general health12.

♦Scotland’s older population (65+ year-olds as a proportion of the total population) is estimated to grow from 19.4% to 25.5% by 20454.

♦55% of 65–74-year-olds meet the recommendations for PA with 29% having very low activity14.

♦The cost of physical inactivity to the NHS in Scotland is estimated at more than £77 million per year, or around £14.60 per person living in the country15.