What benefits did participants seek from community physical activity programs?

Details

To explore how sport could be better positioned on the public health agenda, researchers examined three community physical activity programs aimed at combating obesity and the benefits residents sought through participation.

Using a case study approach and a critical framework, they drew out assumptions and presumed knowledge underlying the programs through site visits and interviews. They conducted a total of 42 interviews with community leaders, program organizers, and residents in each community.

The results suggest that new approaches should be considered to increase participation in U.S. community sport and other leisure-time physical activity programs. Rather than the commonly emphasized benefits of physical health or appearance, participants primarily sought hedonic rewards and opportunities for social interaction—two benefits the researchers describe as overlooked.

The researchers suggest that concerted attention to pleasurable feelings and social aspects could potentially increase sport participation and holistic health. They also suggest that this approach may help address important public health policy issues while demonstrating the distinctiveness and utility of sport.