Physical Activity and Climate Change: A Content Analysis of National Adaptation Plans for Climate Adaptation for Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Background : Climate change and physical inactivity are significant health challenges. While physical activity’s role in climate change mitigation is recognized, its contribution to climate change adaptation remains underexplored. This study aimed to identify physical activity in National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) for low- and middle-income countries and common sectors benefiting climate change adaptation and promoting physical activity. Methods : This study used the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change “NAP Central” registry, analyzing 50 NAPs from low- and middle-income countries adopting a summative/conceptual content analysis approach. Data collection consisted of identifying keywords related to physical activity and built environments in the NAPs, analyzing sectors related to the keywords to assess their role in climate change adaptation. Results : Summative content analysis of 50 NAPs found “transportation” as the keyword most mentioned (N = 41) across all income categories and “sidewalk” and “walkability” being least mentioned (N = 3 each). “Sport” was the most common among physical activity keywords (N = 8), followed by “cycling” (N = 4) and “physical activity” (N = 3). “Physical conditioning” and “exercise” were the least mentioned (N = 1 each). The “transportation” sector prevailed (N = 33), contrasting with “health,” the least prevalent sector (N = 7). Most countries targeted 2030 for NAP goals (n = 41). Conceptual content analysis stressed transportation planning, green spaces, and active transportation in climate adaptation. Conclusion : As climate change continues to accelerate, synergistic strategies addressing physical activity and climate change are needed. Further studies are crucial to explore NAP implementation and evaluation in low- and middle-income countries, enhancing understanding of climate change adaptation’s impact on health and physical activity.