Achieving Equity in Physical Activity Participation: ACSM Experience and Next Steps.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Exercise Science
• Health Equity

Background:

• Regular physical activity is crucial for healthy lifestyles and disease prevention.
• Significant disparities in physical activity participation exist across various demographics in the U.S.
• These disparities mirror broader health inequities, impacting specific populations disproportionately.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the American College of Sports Medicine's (ACSM) national roadmap for achieving health equity.
• To outline actionable pathways designed to reduce physical activity disparities.
• To explore the benefits of implementing this roadmap for organizational and economic outcomes.

Main Methods:

• The roadmap is built on four integrated pathways: communication, education, collaboration, and evaluation.
• Communication aims to raise awareness of health inequities and the role of physical activity.
• Education focuses on cultural competency for professionals and community-based programs.
• Collaboration emphasizes partnerships to leverage existing infrastructures and resources.
• Evaluation ensures measurable progress in reducing physical activity disparities.

Main Results:

• The ACSM roadmap provides a structured approach to address physical activity inequities.
• Implementation involves overcoming challenges and leveraging advantages within each pathway.
• Achieving health equity through physical activity offers significant organizational and economic benefits.

Conclusions:

• The ACSM roadmap offers a comprehensive strategy to promote health equity via physical activity.
• Addressing social determinants of physical activity is essential for reducing health disparities.
• Successful implementation requires coordinated efforts across public, private, and community sectors.