Co-Designing Physical Activity Programmes: A Participatory Research Study With Culturally Diverse Women and Local...

Physical activity (PA) is essential for health and wellbeing, yet participation among women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds remains low due to complex, multi-level barriers. Co-design is increasingly recognised as a means of developing culturally relevant and sustainable interventions, but its application within local government-led PA programmes is limited.

Guided by the socioecological model (SEM), this study examined how co-design can be operationalised within a local government context to plan and deliver PA opportunities, alongside an exploratory analysis of short-term outcomes. A mixed-method participatory design was conducted across four phases: planning, co-creation, implementation and evaluation. SEM informed identification of barriers and enablers during workshops, while co-design principles guided collaborative strategy development. Data collection included co-design workshops (n = 76 women), pre- and post-intervention surveys (baseline n = 42; follow-up n = 21), a staff focus group and interviews with women (n = 3). Quantitative data were analysed using paired t-tests; qualitative data were thematically analysed to examine co-design processes and participant experiences.

Co-design resulted in the development and implementation of culturally relevant programmes including group-based exercise, women's football, netball and water safety, incorporating features such as childcare, safety and opportunities for social connection. Quantitative findings indicated modest increases in PA (+34 min/week, p = 0.25), and improved physical health (p = 0.02). Qualitative findings highlighted outcomes associated with enhanced social connections and sense of empowerment, and the importance of iterative programme adaptation.

Integrating SEM and co-design offers a robust framework for addressing multi-level barriers and supporting inclusive PA programmes within local government practice and strengthening community capacity and equity in health. SO WHAT?: These findings provide actionable evidence for local governments seeking to implement inclusive, culturally responsive PA initiatives, positioning co-design as a scalable approach to addressing participation inequities among women from CALD backgrounds.