ABSTRACT
This chapter examines how race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, residence location, sexual orientation, veterans status, and level of disability are related to individuals' health and physical activity behavior. It highlights effective strategies for addressing inactivity across all levels for many different populations. The chapter outlines how the current body of knowledge can influence public health practice to improve physical activity participation among multiple population groups. The World Health Organization's Global Strategy for Diet and Physical Activity has also stressed the importance of considering social and cultural norms, religions, values, gender issues, political support, and local-level capacity for promoting physical activity. Further investigation is needed on the most effective methods for determining physical activity participation across diverse populations. The importance of cultural competency for twenty-first-century health and wellness professionals cannot be stressed enough. With changing demographics, it is important for professionals and practitioners to be capable and confident in helping a multitude of populations address their activity levels.
