The urban environment and leisure physical activity during the COVID-19 pandemic: a view from Lagos

Abstract

We highlight aspects of the ordinary-known interactions between urban environments and physical activity-that are amplified by the extraordinary-the COVID-19 pandemic in Lagos, Nigeria. Leisure physical activity is shaped by local contexts, and pandemic-related changes may have altered existing trade-offs between the benefits and risks of undertaking Leisure physical activity in the city. We note the dynamic and inequitable ways that urban spaces are used during the pandemic and the urgent need for local evidence and solutions. Our reflections in this commentary illustrate the possibility of rethinking urban development and the reforms necessary to address health inequalities post-pandemic.

Constraints to Participation in Physical Activityduring Covid-19 Pandemic: Environmental Implicationsin University of Nigeria Nsukka Campus Enugu State, Nigeria

“…The closure of public places, schools and fitness centres forced people to remain in the comfort of their homes which increased tendency for sedentary behaviour. The lockdown decongested automobile traffic which constrained people from engaging in routine PA prior to the pandemic in Metropolitan cities such that usual busy roads became lonely and favourable for leisure PA (Lawanson et al, 2020). With the lockdown scenario, people could safely embark on individual PA encouraged by COVID-19 preventive health measures, such as walk, jogging and cycling without fear of being knocked down by automobiles.…”

“…A number of online PA options were advocated, such as carrying heavy loads, stair walking, jogging on the spot, yoga and other but several environmental barriers constitute a cog in actualization of these PA (Nienhuis and Lesser, 2020). This is partly as a result of increased rate of urbanization, where most low income homes and communities have limited spaces for PA (Lawanson et al, 2020). This is because buildings are congested, most compounds lack open space play, Note.…”

The urban syndemic of COVID-19: insights, reflections and implications

“…Many papers raise issues of vulnerability and fragility of people and of systems (Berkowitz et al 2020, Black et al 2020) and consequences arising from inequalities (Cave et al 2020, Diez Roux et al 2020, Cole et al 2020, Lawanson et al 2020. Resilience is another theme that several authors examine (Rippon et al 2020, Jenkins 2020, Obonyo and Mutunga 2020.…”

Barriers and facilitators of physical activity among school attending adolescents in Lagos State, Nigeria: A qualitative study exploring views and experiences of decision‐makers in secondary schools

“…14 Physical activity in Lagos particularly for the lower socioeconomic group, which comprises most of its residents, is undertaken in unsupportive and potentially harmful environments while navigating dangers such as air pollution and road traffic injury. 15 Schools, however, represent a unique setting for promoting lifelong physical activity during critical development stages of life. 16 Opportunities for in-school physical activity largely depend upon school-level policies, practices, and administrative support.…”