Welcome to the Research and Evidence Portal. Here you will find a catalogue of relevant national and local physical activity and sport literature made up of reports and case studies that allows users to search by key themes, location, date and age. You can also find a number of practical toolkits and guidance documents to support the marketing and promotion of your programmes and campaigns.

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Act Now: Musculoskeletal Health Inequalities and Deprivation Summary

Mar 2024

Arthiritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA)

This report highlights the key social and economic factors that impact poor MSK health, including poverty, education, employment and environmental and dietary factors that discourage physical activity and a healthy diet. While the NHS can address some of these issues, it cannot alone eradicate inequalities in MSK health.

"Boys will be boys" - Creating a new generation of male allies for girls in sport

Mar 2024

Women in Sport

This report outlines insights from the Women in Sport research project with primary school boys to understand their attitudes towards girls in sport.

Health barriers for girls and women in sport

Mar 2024

House of Commons

UK women's sport is gaining more media coverage and public interest. This increased attention is highlighting the inequality in support and understanding of women's health and physiological needs in sports like football, cricket, and rugby.

Youth provision and life outcomes: A study of the local impact of youth clubs

Mar 2024

SQW

The goal of this research was to understand what impact the presence of youth clubs have on local areas.

Ramadan Guidance for Schools and Educational Settings: Physical Education and Physical Activity

Feb 2024

Birmingham City University

This paper presents guidance to schools and wider educational establishments on how to accommodate and support the fasting student, and fasting Physical Education teacher during Ramadan.

Getting On Track: Reducing youth offending and re-offending through sport and physical activity

Feb 2024

Sport For Development Coalition

Sport and physical activity are increasingly recognised as effective tools in preventing and addressing crime and anti-social behaviour among young people. To support organisations working with vulnerable children, the UK Government has invested £5 million into a Youth Justice Sport Fund.

The impact of COVID-19 on young people's employability: the potential of sport-based interventions as non-formal education

Feb 2024

Department for Health, University of Bath

The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected young people in relation to their mental health, educational provision, and social development, impacting their employment prospects and future prosperity. In response, the United Kingdom government implemented a range of formal policy solutions to address issues around youth employability.

We have to take it one day at a time - Results of Age UK's research into the health and care of people aged 50 and over

Feb 2024

Age UK

Age UK conducted six waves of research on older people's health and care, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. The findings highlighted difficulties faced by older individuals in healthcare access, physical and mental health management, community engagement, and caregiving, leading to a notable decline in their wellbeing.

The rising cost of living and its impact on sport and physical activity

Jan 2024

Sport England

The rising cost of living is influenced by factors such as the Covid-19 aftermath, Ukraine conflict, economic sanctions, global supply chain issues, rising interest rates, inflation, and stagnant wages. Sport England and its System Partners have studied the impact of rising living costs on the sports and physical activity sector.

Group fitness participant survey 2022 full report

Jan 2024

YouGov, EMD UK

In the dynamic landscape of fitness and wellness, understanding the preferences, motivations, and challenges of individuals engaged in group exercise is paramount. This research, commissioned by EMD UK and conducted by YouGov, offers a compelling insight into Group Exercise Participation, shedding light on its growing significance in England's fitness landscape.