A Scoping Review of Barriers and Facilitators of Physical Activity among Equity-denied Groups in Canada: An Intersectional Equity Lens.

Although it is important to ensure that all individuals have access to physical activity (PA), members of equity-denied groups generally report lower levels of PA, placing these populations at even greater vulnerability for overall health and well-being. This scoping review was to provide an overview of the barriers and facilitators of PA among equity-denied groups, through an intersectional equity lens. This scoping review focused on equity-denied groups prioritized by Sport Canada—Black individuals, Indigenous peoples, 2SLGBTQ+, and newcomers. A total of 75 studies contributed to 81 findings. Most findings focused on Indigenous peoples (53%), followed by newcomers (31%) and 2SLGBTQI+ groups (7%). No studies focused on Black individuals until 2023, after which there was a surge in 2024. Of 75 studies, 52% of studies had theoretical underpinnings, with 72% using an intersectionality lens. When barriers and facilitators were synthesized by the ecological model of PA, micro-and macro-level factors were most apparent. Intersectional marginalization in PA was also reported, particularly among Indigenous women and low-income, racialized individuals. Barriers existed within the systems of oppression at interpersonal, institutional, and structural levels. Identified facilitators were often complementary to the identified barriers. Equity-denied groups in Canada face restricted access to PA opportunities due to systemic discrimination and exclusion but opportunities existed. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions and policy reforms by Sport Canada and PA organizations to dismantle systemic barriers while leveraging facilitators to promote more inclusive and equitable PA participation.