Assessing the contribution of informal sport to leisure-time physical activity: a new perspective on social innovation

ABSTRACT

Rationale/purpose: Most social innovation research within health-oriented SDP initiatives has focused on improvements to structured program contexts, with less attention to informal sport. The purpose of this study was to analyze leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) across a range of activity settings, and provide informed recommendations for SDP organizations to integrate informal sport into LTPA-promoting initiatives.

Methodology: Data was collected through systematic observations of sport facilities at twenty schools in North Carolina. A two-way factorial analysis of variance was utilized to assess variation in physical activity across different activities and levels of organization (i.e. formal vs. informal).

Findings: Findings reveal significant variation across different activities, as well as the level of organization (i.e. formal vs. informal). In addition, sport activities were not associated with significantly higher levels of physical activity than other forms of physically active leisure.

Practical implications: Sport managers must recognize the contribution of various sport and leisure activities to maximize the role of sport in promoting LTPA. In addition, preconceived notions regarding the inherent health benefits of sport must be altered in order to promote LTPA.

Research contribution: SDP organizations incorporate informal sport are key to promoting LTPA, but require program-, process-, and socially transformative social innovation.

KEYWORDS:

• Physical activity
• SOPARC
• schools
• informal sport
• community sport

Acknowledgements

The views expressed in written materials do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. The authors would like to thank all participating schools, principals, and athletic directors.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

Funding for this work was made possible by FOA CDC-RFA-DP11-1115PPHF11 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).