Increasing Access to Physical Activity Opportunities for Patients: A Review

Chantal Nguyen; Amelia Abbott-Frey; Alan David Anaya Gallegos; Matthew Kaufman; Douglas Noordsy; Marily Oppezzo; Michael Fredericson

doi:10.1177/15598276251348174

Increasing Access to Physical Activity Opportunities for Patients: A Review

Am J Lifestyle Med. 2025 Jun 5:15598276251348174. doi: 10.1177/15598276251348174. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Chantal Nguyen¹, Amelia Abbott-Frey², Alan David Anaya Gallegos³, Matthew Kaufman¹, Douglas Noordsy², Marily Oppezzo⁴, Michael Fredericson¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Orthopedic Surgery - Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Stanford University, Redwood City, CA, USA (CN, MK, MF).
² Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA (AAF, DN).
³ Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA (ADAG).
⁴ Prevention Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA (MO).

Abstract

Physical activity has been shown to improve health outcomes, decrease risk of medical comorbidities, and improve longevity. Despite these known benefits, most individuals do not meet the recommended national exercise guidelines for physical activity. This paper identifies individual and community-level factors impacting engagement in physical activity, thus focusing on solutions to address common barriers to exercise and optimize diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives for physical activity. Afterward, several cases within one large academic institution and its affiliates illustrate recent endeavors to improve access to physical activity and highlight future opportunities for growth in all communities.

Keywords: lifestyle medicine; motivational interviewing; organizational factors; outcome assessment; perceptions; physical activity; prevention; resource utilization.

Publication types

Review