Sport and Physical Activity: State of the Nation

Scottish Household Survey

While SHeS collects data on whether people meet physical activity guidelines SHS collects data on reported sport and recreational walking participation in adults.

The SHS questions on physical activity are based on a four‑week recall of adults’ participation in any physical activity or sport, capturing frequency, duration, and type of activity. The SHS uses this to estimate participation levels and track trends across Scotland.

Respondents are asked whether they have taken part in any physical activity or sport in the previous four weeks. This includes walking, recreational sport, exercise, and outdoor activities. The survey distinguishes between sport including walking and sport excluding walking, because walking is the most common activity and can dominate participation rates.

General Participation Question

• “Have you taken part in any physical activity or sport in the last four weeks?”
• This includes walking, exercise, sport, and outdoor activities.

Walking for Recreation or Transport

• “In the last four weeks, have you done any walking of at least 30 minutes for recreation or to get somewhere?”
• If yes:
• “How often?”

List of Activities

Respondents are shown a list and asked which activities they have done in the last four weeks. Examples include:

• Swimming
• Cycling
• Running/jogging
• Gym/fitness classes
• Football, rugby, netball, basketball
• Dance
• Golf
• Outdoor activities (hillwalking, canoeing, etc.)

Frequency of Each Activity

For each activity selected:

• “How many times in the last four weeks have you taken part in [activity]?

This allows calculation of:

• Participation in “sport including walking”
• Participation in “sport excluding walking”
• Frequency distributions