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Spectating and physical activity

Title
Spectating and physical activity

Research Area
Tackling Inactivity

Author
Murray, A D et al; BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine

Summary of Findings
This study selected 339 individual spectators of the Paul Lawrie Matchplay golf event in Scotland (August 2016), asking them complete a questionnaire and to wear a pedometer for the length of time they were at the event. 329 of the spectators recorded a step-count with a mean number of steps being 11,589. In response to questionnaires, 334 of the 339 spectators recorded that exercise/physical activity was one of their reasons for attending. They were asked to rate how important a number of reasons for attending were on a scale of 1-10 (1 being no importance and 10 being of extremely high importance). Responses in relation to exercise/physical activity recorded a mode of 10 out of 10 and median of 8 out of 10.

Implications
Incidental activity - physcial movement that takes place as a result of things we need to do in our daily lives (as opposed to exercise for the sake of exercise) - is a huge factor when attending sporting events. Many people will incorporate activity into their matchday/event routines, one way or another, whether it's walking from the train station or parking a certain distance from the ground/event due to large levels of traffic. Understanding how we can help people build more incidental activity into their lives is a critical part of tackling inactivity.