It is a common assumption that sport is good for us and that participation in sport embodies public health benefits. With sport being increasingly used to deliver public health interventions worldwide, this book critically examines the rationale and evidence for sport as a public health policy tool. Featuring contributions from the UK, USA, Europe and Australia, it sheds new light on an emerging field of research which has significant implications for public health across the globe.

Each chapter looks at the effectiveness of sport interventions across the lifespan for biological,...