Physical Activity Participation in Rural Areas: A Case Study

Celia Marcen,Rubén Oliván,Irela Arbones,Eduardo Piedrafita

doi:10.3390/ijerph19031161

Abstract

Sport participation and physical activity promotion have been intensively studied, especially regarding large cities. However, in many cases, rural municipalities have comparatively reduced services, including health care, due to the low profitability that these have for companies and entities. In this sense, the purpose of this article was to describe a case study of the promotion of physical activity in rural areas based on the results of a European project. Carried out in a rural municipality of around 8500 inhabitants with a population density of less than 25 inhabitants/km2, the project’s purpose was the promotion of autonomous physical activity among its inhabitants. For this, a diagnostic analysis of the sports areas of the environment and a survey of physical activity habits among the population were carried out. A series of routes were designed, marked, and signposted, and canopies with explanatory posters about the possibilities of healthy physical activity and recommendations were added. Free-use facilities were installed, and opening events were carried out in such a way as to stimulate sports practice among the population. This article presents the results obtained from the analysis, as well as the possibilities of replication in other municipalities with similar needs.

Highlights

Inequalities in general, and in health services and opportunities between urban and rural areas in particular, have been thoroughly studied [1,2]
The selection of our cases followed the logic of theoretical sampling [21], with the intention to introduce small rural areas the sport participation and physical activity promotion in rural areas
This study demonstrates the potential for rural municipalities to enhance physical activity, promote healthy lifestyles, and reduce premature physical activity participation abandonment in youth

Summary

Introduction

Inequalities in general, and in health services and opportunities between urban and rural areas in particular, have been thoroughly studied [1,2]. Urbanization and migration have been highlighted as the most relevant aspects in recent developments regarding social inequalities in health. A study conducted in Canada found that even though children, adults, and seniors in rural areas spent more time doing outdoor activities than those who lived in cities, the researchers identified higher mortality rates, decreased life expectancy, a greater incidence and prevalence of morbidity, and poorer self-reported health status in rural populations [3]. In the case of Spain, this phenomenon has been called “empty Spain” and entails both health and well-being issues for its inhabitants, especially women [4]

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Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion