Sport and Recreation

Past Projects

Sport, Exercise And Physical Activity: Public Participation, Barriers And Attitudes
The Tourism, Culture and Sport Group of the Scottish Executive commissioned a module of questions in Ipsos MORI's Scottish Social Policy Monitor. The questions examined the public's participation in sport, exercise and physical activity, barriers to participation, and their attitudes towards sport and physical activity. The research consisted of a representative survey of 2,077 adults interviewed in-home between January and June 2006. It was designed to inform policies aimed at increasing the proportion of the Scottish population who exercise regularly.

Main findings:

• Given that experts suggest 30 minutes activity on most days, findings show that the majority of people, 65%, are not exercising enough: 27% exercise just once or twice a week, 7% just once or twice a month, 9% less often than once a month and 22% never exercise. 
• There are clear demographic differences between those who exercise regularly and those who do not. Participation is higher among younger people, men, those living in the least deprived areas and those in higher income households. 
• By far the biggest barriers to participation are lack of time and poor health. 
• Participation levels drop off after the age of around 25 - when people start getting jobs, having families etc. When they might be able to start increasing their activity levels, once their children are older and work commitments lessen, health problems start to become more of a barrier. 
• Motivational barriers (e.g. 'I just can't be bothered' or 'wouldn't enjoy it') and barriers relating to the availability or accessibility of facilities (e.g. cost, proximity to, or quality of facilities) impact on some people, but are considerably less important overall than lack of time and poor health. 
• Attitudes towards physical activity are very positive. This suggests that efforts to increase participation are best focused on making it easier for people - such as advising on how exercise can be fitted in to the daily routine - rather than persuading them of the benefits.

Client contact details: Josephine Dean, Scottish Executive, Analytical Services Unit, Tourism Culture and Sport, Victoria Quay,Edinburgh, EH6 6QQ email: josephine.dean@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

Ipsos MORI contact: Lorraine Murray

The Research Findings Summary is available at: www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/09/29134926/1

The full report is available at: www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2006/09/29134901/0

Sports facilities in Edinburgh (2007)