Mass sporting and physical activity events: are they bread and circuses or public health interventions to increase population levels of physical activity?

Background: Large-scale, one-off sporting or physical activity events are often thought to impact population physical activity levels. This paper reviews the evidence and explores the nature of the effect. Methods: A search of the published and grey literature was conducted to July 2005 using relevant databases and web sources. Personal contacts yielded additional data. Impacts are described at the individual, societal and community, and environmental levels. Results: Few quality evaluations have been conducted. While mass sporting events appear to influence physical activity related infrastructure, there is scant evidence of impact on individual participation at the population level. There is some evidence that events promoting active transport can positively affect physical activity. Conclusions: The public health potential of major sporting and physical activity events is often cited, but evidence for public health benefit is lacking