A recent academic report conducted by Abertay University and the University of the West of Scotland has shed light on the challenges facing physical activity in Scotland. The study, titled “Getting the inactive active: Barriers to physical activity and potential policy solutions,” was authored by Dr. David Scott from Abertay’s Department of Health, Sport, and Wellbeing, and Dr. David Meir from the University of the West of Scotland in collaboration with the Scottish Parliament Information Center (SPICe).
Interviews with 23 stakeholders from government, sport, and public health revealed deep-seated inequalities and structural obstacles that hinder many Scots from engaging in regular physical activity. Shockingly, statistics show that 22% of adults in Scotland do less than 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week, putting them at increased health risks. This sedentary lifestyle is linked to over 80% of the 3,000 annual deaths associated with inactivity in Scotland.
The report highlights key challenges such as short-term funding cycles, a disconnect between national policy and local implementation, and inconsistent delivery of physical activity initiatives across Scotland’s 32 local authorities. These structural issues act as major barriers to long-term planning and cultural change, creating a gap between national goals and local realities.
To combat these challenges, the report proposes a series of recommendations aimed at enhancing access and reducing inequality in sport and physical activity. Suggestions include increased investment in programs across the public and third sectors, the development of a national strategy for community sport, and increased support for volunteers who play a crucial role in delivery.
Furthermore, the report advocates for the establishment of a national social prescribing framework to integrate physical activity into health and social care pathways for early intervention and prevention. It also emphasizes the need for a robust evidence base with consistent monitoring and evaluation to track progress and shape future policy decisions.
Dr. David Scott emphasizes the need for coordinated, long-term action to address these issues and calls for collaboration across government, sport, physical activity practitioners, and academia to bring about meaningful reform. The report also underlines the underutilization of the school estate and the importance of embedding physical activity into the curriculum from early education.
Dr. David Meir highlights the excellent policy framework for physical activity in Scotland but stresses the need for increased funding and resources to translate policy into practice effectively. The recommendations within the report aim to prompt specific and achievable objectives for sport and physical activity in upcoming election manifestos.
In conclusion, the report serves as a call to action for systemic reform in Scotland’s approach to physical activity. By implementing the proposed recommendations, Scotland can work towards becoming a more active and healthier nation. For more information, you can access the full report here: [Link to Report].
