The interplay between social environment and opportunities for physical activity within the built environment: a scoping review

Abstract

Abstract Background The association between social and built environments plays a crucial role in influencing physical activity levels. However, a thorough understanding of their combined impact remains unclear. This scoping review seeks to clarify the interplay between social environments and opportunities for physical activity within different built environments, with a particular focus on the implications of socioeconomic status and urban planning on physical activity participation. Methods We conducted a systematic literature search across several databases to identify studies exploring the associations between social factors, built environment characteristics, and physical activity levels. The inclusion criteria were studies published in English between 2000 and 2022, encompassing urban, suburban, and rural contexts. Thematic analysis was employed to categorise studies based on the specific aspects of the built environment they investigated (walking infrastructure, cycling infrastructure, parks and open spaces, and sports facilities) and the social determinants they examined. Results A total of 72 studies were included in the review, illustrating a multifaceted relationship between access to physical activity opportunities and social determinants such as socioeconomic status, community engagement, and urban design. The findings highlight the significant role of socioeconomic factors and the quality of PA infrastructure in promoting or hindering PA across communities. Effective urban planning was identified as crucial in providing expanded physical activity opportunities, notably through more pedestrian-friendly environments, comprehensive cycling infrastructure, and accessible green spaces and sports facilities. Conclusions This review emphasises the significant impact of socioeconomic status and urban planning on access to physical activity opportunities. This underscores the necessity for urban planning policies to adopt an inclusive approach, considering the varied needs of different population groups to ensure equitable access to physical activity resources. Such strategies are crucial for public health initiatives aimed at enhancing physical activity levels across diverse community sectors, offering a potential avenue to alleviate health disparities associated with inactivity.