University extension activities: equity and inclusion to promote physical activity and health
1
School of Physical Education and Sport of Ribeirao Preto, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A111
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
University extension is essential for promoting health by connecting the university to the community and integrating teaching, research, and extension. Projects focused on physical activity (PA) enhance access to the university, allowing students to apply their knowledge while promoting equity, inclusion, and community engagement1.
OBJECTIVE:
To present university extension activities, based on equity and inclusion, to promote the health of the population of Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
METHODS:
This essay outlines actions taken since 2022, including: (I) In-person activities at the University of São Paulo through the Integrated Training Program for Adults; (II) Hybrid health counseling in the Health+ Program; (III) Extramural actions promoting and advising PA on health services and in community spaces such as squares and schools, and (IV) Social media communication, primarily on Instagram.
RESULTS:
The results correspond to the actions outlined in the methods section: I) The in-person project maintained 110 free places with improvements in health indicators (e.g., Cohen's d≥ 0.5 in strength, agility, and vigorous PA after six months), in addition to the adoption of affirmative action with reserved places for black and mixed people; (II) The Health+ Program had 36 participants in monthly in-person meetings and bi-weekly interactions via mobile app, promoting advances in health care and PA practice; (III) The extramural actions took place monthly in the communities, serving approximately 500 people per year, with high satisfaction; (IV) The Instagram’s profile shared information about health care and PA considering social and environmental aspects - the publications reached 179000 views, with 2744 interactions (November 01, 2025 - January 29, 2026).
CONCLUSIONS:
The projects combine scientific and popular knowledge to expand free access to healthcare and PA for the population while simultaneously strengthening student leadership. In addition to in-person outreach, these extramural actions bring the University directly to the communities, broadening its social reach.
University extension is essential for promoting health by connecting the university to the community and integrating teaching, research, and extension. Projects focused on physical activity (PA) enhance access to the university, allowing students to apply their knowledge while promoting equity, inclusion, and community engagement1.
OBJECTIVE:
To present university extension activities, based on equity and inclusion, to promote the health of the population of Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
METHODS:
This essay outlines actions taken since 2022, including: (I) In-person activities at the University of São Paulo through the Integrated Training Program for Adults; (II) Hybrid health counseling in the Health+ Program; (III) Extramural actions promoting and advising PA on health services and in community spaces such as squares and schools, and (IV) Social media communication, primarily on Instagram.
RESULTS:
The results correspond to the actions outlined in the methods section: I) The in-person project maintained 110 free places with improvements in health indicators (e.g., Cohen's d≥ 0.5 in strength, agility, and vigorous PA after six months), in addition to the adoption of affirmative action with reserved places for black and mixed people; (II) The Health+ Program had 36 participants in monthly in-person meetings and bi-weekly interactions via mobile app, promoting advances in health care and PA practice; (III) The extramural actions took place monthly in the communities, serving approximately 500 people per year, with high satisfaction; (IV) The Instagram’s profile shared information about health care and PA considering social and environmental aspects - the publications reached 179000 views, with 2744 interactions (November 01, 2025 - January 29, 2026).
CONCLUSIONS:
The projects combine scientific and popular knowledge to expand free access to healthcare and PA for the population while simultaneously strengthening student leadership. In addition to in-person outreach, these extramural actions bring the University directly to the communities, broadening its social reach.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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