Physical Activity as a Social Right Within the Leisure and Health Sectors in Brazil

Abstract

Physical activity is recognized as an important means for promoting health and quality of life. However, the discussion regarding this practice as a human right needs to be expanded. The objective of this study was to analyze the perceptions of professionals from two scientific institutions in Brazil regarding leisure-time physical activity as a social right. The research was descriptive, documentary, cross-sectional, and exploratory in nature, with non-probabilistic sampling. A semi-structured questionnaire was adopted in Google Forms format, and content analysis was used for data analysis. The sample consisted of 80 participants. The main results highlight the recognition of leisure time and health as social rights, as well as the existence of barriers such as social inequalities in the realization of these rights. However, there is evidence of progress in public policies in Brazil that aim to democratize leisure-time physical activity as a social right.