Physical activity promotion in socially disadvantaged groups: principles for action. Policy summary

Over the past few years, the promotion of physical activity has been more widely recognized as a priority for public health action in Europe and many countries have responded by developing policies and interventions to support it. The WHO Regional Office for Europe carried out a project to support and further enhance evidence and networking on physical activity; a substantial part was the development of guidance on promoting physical activity in socially disadvantaged groups, with a focus on the role of healthy environments. This brochure presents the main conclusions of this part of the project and provides – based on a review of evidence, case studies and national policies – suggestions for national and local action and policies to support physical activity in these groups. It also identifies gaps in evidence to be addressed by future research.

The Physical Activity and Networking (PHAN) project was co-funded by the European Union in the framework of the Health Programme 2008-2013. The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union.

WHO: Physical activity promotion in socially disadvantaged groups: principles for action http://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/disease-prevention/physical-activity/publications/2013/physical-activity-promotion-in-socially-disadvantaged-groups-principles-for-action

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