From one pandemic to another: emerging lessons from COVID-19 for tackling physical inactivity in cities

Craig W. McDougall, Caroline Brown, Craig Thomson, Nick Hanley, Mark A. Tully, Richard S. Quilliam, Phil J. Bartie, Lesley Gibson, David M. Oliver

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)
15 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Physical inactivity is a global pandemic. The COVID-19 crisis has altered global patterns of physical activity in ways that were unimaginable before the outbreak. Enforced restrictions on mobility and the mass closure of indoor fitness centres has highlighted the limitations of many urban areas for enabling physical activity and reinforced inequalities in physical activity opportunities across cities. However, unprecedented reductions in mobility and increases in localised physical activity provide unique insight on opportunities for urban health promotion. COVID-19 responses can, therefore, encourage new perspectives in urban planning and inspire novel future strategies to design more sustainable, healthier and equitable cities. 
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages4
JournalCities & Health
DOIs
Publication statusPublished (in print/issue) - 28 Jul 2020

Bibliographical note

The Scottish Government Hydro Nation Scholars Programme provided funding to support this research.

Keywords

  • Physical activity
  • neighbourhood inequality
  • urban planning

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