Physical Activity in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

"As global health inequities persist, it has become increasingly important to recognise how health and health behaviour, including physical activity, are experienced and promoted in LMICs. This book is a welcome and timely addition to the literature on physical activity and health, which has for too long been dominated by work in high-income countries. It brings together perspectives from a range of global LMIC settings, and provides contextual and practical examples from multiple sectors. For those seeking to understand how to advocate for and promote physical activity in LMIC settings, this book is for you." - Catherine Draper, Past ISPAH-President, University of the Witwatersrand

"Globally, there are large differences in physical activity prevalence, research, and intervention efforts. Sometimes those differences favor Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) because many of these countries retain historical and culturally-meaningful physical activity practices, often through dance and sport. This book celebrates examples of these strengths in LMICs. But we also know that global economic and technological trends have displaced occupational, transportation, and household activities, creating a pandemic of physical inactivity that affects every country. This book, with contributions by many authors from LMICs, offers research and case studies that point to solutions for overcoming modern barriers to physical activities and strengthening culturally-appropriate activity traditions. Acting on the lessons conveyed in this book can reduce the burdens of physical inactivity related to both non-communicable and infectious diseases in LMICs. This book is for everyone with an interest in physical activity research and practice, global public health, and NCD and health promotion seeking to reduce health inequalities." - James F. Sallis, Professorial Fellow, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, and Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California, San Diego