Leveraging Exercise is Medicine On Campus Programs to Promote Activity to Equity-Deserving Groups

Authors

  • M. Lauren Voss Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 2W6
  • Myles O'Brien Geriatric Medicine Research, Dalhousie University & Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2 School of Physiotherapy (Faculty of Health) and Division of Geriatric Medicine (Faculty of Medicine), Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2 http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0665-5062
  • Joyla A Furlano Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8
  • Michelle Y.S. Wong School of Kinesiology, Western University, London, ON, N6A 3K7
  • Nick W. Bray Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4
  • Jonathon R. Fowles School of Kinesiology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS, B4P 2R6
  • Taniya S Nagpal Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2R3

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15273/hpj.v3i2.11518

Keywords:

Public Health, University Programs, Physical Activity, Racialized Populations

Abstract

Despite the well-known benefits of leading an active lifestyle, global adherence to physical activity recommendations is low. Individuals who are from marginalized groups, including racialized populations and those with a low socio-economic status, are more physically inactive compared to those who identify as white or who have a higher income. The differences in physical activity level by socio-demographic characteristics reflect inequitable access to lifestyle resources. Exercise is Medicine On Campus (EIM-OC) is a unique international post-secondary initiative that aims to promote a culture of physical activity and chronic disease prevention and management on university/college campuses and within their local communities. EIM-OC programs currently exist on every continent, with the majority of chapters existing in North America. This provides EIM-OC a unique opportunity to address inequities in physical activity promotion. This commentary provides perspective on traditional EIM-OC program offerings, highlights learnings from the COVID-19 pandemic, and recommends strategies to increase the inclusivity of future physical activity programming.

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Published

2023-05-26

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 2 (2023)

Section

Commentary

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