Physical Activity in Diverse Populations

The health benefits associated with regular physical activity are now widely recognized. This book examines how social determinants such as race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation and disability can impact on physical activity and its associated health outcomes. It explores the social, cultural, political and environmental factors that influence engagement in physical activity in a range of diverse populations and presents evidence-based, culturally appropriate strategies for targeting and promoting physical activity participation. Each chapter considers how the social determinants that impact on health are formed by the environments in which people live, work, learn and play. Incorporating a series of original case studies, this book analyzes physical activity behaviors in groups such as: - African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans and Native Americans - military veterans and physically disabled populations - low-income populations - rural populations - LGBT populations. It also includes a variety of useful features such as key terms, summary points and critical thinking questions, as well as a chapter on international perspectives. Physical Activity in Diverse Populations: Evidence and Practice is vital reading for any course touching on social factors in physical activity behavior.

Melissa Bopp is an associate professor of kinesiology at Pennsylvania State University, USA. Her research expertise includes community-based strategies for promoting physical activity. She has worked extensively with underserved populations in a variety of settings. She has been teaching undergraduate and graduate students about health disparities in underserved populations for more than 10 years.

1. Introduction to Physical Activity and Health Disparities [Melissa Bopp] 2. Introduction to Race, Ethnicity and Related Theories of Disparities [Scherezade Mama, Deborah John and Nishat Bhuiyan] 3. Development of Culturally Appropriate Strategies for Promoting Physical Activity [Sandra Soto, Adrian Chavez, Jessica Haughton and Elva Arredondo] 4. Physical Activity among African Americans [Melicia Whitt-Glover, Ogechi Nwaokelemeh, Amanda A. Price and Jammie M. Hopkins] 5. Physical Activity among Latinos [David X. Marquez, Susan Aguiñaga, Priscilla Vásquez, Isabela Gouveia Marques and Maricela Martinez] 6. Physical Activity among Asian Americans [Edith W. Chen, Grace J. Yoo, Elaine A. Musselman and Jane Jih] 7. Physical Activity among Native Americans [Health J. A. Foulds] 8. Physical Activity among Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders [Cheryl Albright, Marjorie Mau, Lehua Choy and Tricia Mabellos] 9. Physical Activity among Low Income Populations [Wendell C. Taylor] 10. Physical Activity among Rural Populations [Deborah H. John and Katherine B. Gunter] 11. Physical Activity among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Populations [Danielle R. Brittain and Mary K. Dinger] 12. Physical Activity among Military Veterans [David E. Goodrich and Katherine S. Hall] 13. Physical Activity among Physically Disabled Populations [Robert B. Shaw and Kathleen A. Martin Ginis] 14. Physical Activity among Diverse Populations Internationally [Justin Richards, Adewale Oyeyemi and Adrian Bauman] 15. Future Directions for Addressing Physical Activity in Diverse Populations [Melissa Bopp]