The Application of Sports Tourism-Based Physical Activity to Reduce Sedentary Lifestyles in the Community

Physical inactivity and sedentary behavior have increasingly been recognized as critical global health challenges, contributing to the development of chronic diseases and diminishing overall quality of life. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a sports tourism–based physical activity program in reducing sedentary lifestyles among adults in Palembang. A quasi-experimental method with a non-equivalent control group design was employed, involving 100 purposively selected participants aged 18–45 years. The experimental group (n = 50) engaged in a 12-week program at the Jakabaring Sport Center, which consisted of walking, cycling, water-based exercises, and group gymnastics, while the control group (n = 50) continued their routine daily activities. Sedentary behavior was measured using a modified Adolescent Sedentary Activity Questionnaire (ASAQ) at both the pre-test and post-test stages. Findings indicated that the experimental group experienced a significant decrease in sedentary time, from an average of 8.21 ± 1.32 hours/day at baseline to 6.45 ± 1.21 hours/day after the intervention (p < 0.001), with a large effect size (Cohen's d = 1.17). In contrast, no significant changes were observed in the control group (p = 0.312). These results demonstrate that integrating physical activities into sports tourism programs not only reduces sedentary behavior but also enhances motivation through recreational and social engagement. In conclusion, sports tourism–based physical activity is an effective and innovative approach to encourage active lifestyles, decrease sedentary patterns, and strengthen public health in urban communities. Future research is suggested to assess the sustainability of these benefits and to explore the incorporation of local cultural elements into sports tourism initiatives.