Sports and Sustainable Development: A Systematic Review of Their Contribution to the SDGs and Public Health

Abstract

This systematic review aims to explore the role of sports in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a special focus on SDG 3, which pertains to health and well-being. It seeks to analyze how sports can prevent non-communicable diseases, promote mental and physical health, and offer constructive alternatives for addiction prevention and treatment. A systematic literature review was conducted following the PRISMA-NMA 2020 guidelines. The research question was formulated using the PICO framework. Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct were searched using appropriate keywords and Boolean operators. Eligibility criteria were applied to select relevant studies, which were then assessed for quality using CASPe and GRADE systems. The review identified that sports significantly contribute to the achievement of multiple SDGs, notably SDG 3, by enhancing physical and mental health, reducing non-communicable diseases, and promoting well-being. From the analysis of the reviewed articles, which include these aspects, it is concluded that sport significantly impacts sustainable development and can be a powerful tool to address public health and social problems. Sports also play a vital role in economic growth, social inclusion, and gender equality. However, challenges such as inequitable access to sports facilities, gender disparities, and environmental impacts of sports activities were highlighted. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the multifaceted impact of sports on sustainable development, emphasizing its potential to address health and social challenges. It offers evidence-based insights and practical recommendations for integrating sports into sustainable development strategies, highlighting the need for inclusive and environmentally responsible sports policies and practices.

1. Introduction

The 2030 Agenda of the United Nations (UN) is an ambitious and transformative global action plan adopted by the 193 member states. It was designed to address the most pressing challenges humanity faces in the 21st century.

The agreement became a reality in September 2015. Its full title is “Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”. This agenda establishes a set of goals, targets, and actions aimed at addressing a range of diverse global issues, from eradicating poverty to protecting the environment. The main purpose is to achieve a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous world for all people and the planet.

This plan represents a call to global action and collaboration to ensure that all people enjoy peace, prosperity, and equity. Essentially, this plan signifies a firm commitment to building a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world for present and future generations [1].

The sustainable development paradigm, embodied in the 2030 Agenda of the UN, sets forth an ambitious set of goals aimed at tackling the most pressing global challenges, from eradicating poverty to preserving the environment. In total, there are 17 goals, known as the “Sustainable Development Goals” (SDGs). These are further broken down into 169 specific targets addressing a wide range of challenges [1].

Sport, in its essence, promotes fundamental values, such as teamwork, discipline, inclusion, and mutual respect, which are essential pillars for achieving a more just and equitable society. Additionally, its ability to foster the physical and mental health and well-being of individuals makes it a key ally in the fight against diseases and the promotion of healthy lifestyles [2].

Economically, sport represents a constantly growing industry, with significant impacts on job creation, investment attraction, and infrastructure development. From organizing world-reaching sports events to promoting sports tourism, this activity substantially contributes to the dynamization of local and regional economies.

Additionally, sport can play a crucial role in protecting the environment and promoting sustainable practices. From raising awareness about the importance of conserving natural resources to promoting eco-friendly modes of transportation at sporting events, there are numerous initiatives demonstrating the potential of sport as a positive agent of change for the environment [2,3].

More specifically, SDG number 3 focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. This goal addresses a wide range of health-related areas, from reducing child and maternal mortality to preventing and treating non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. It also aims to promote mental health and well-being, as well as address addictions and other diseases related to substance use [4].

Within this framework, the role of sport as an instrument for achieving these objectives has gained increasing recognition and relevance in the international community. This integrative approach recognizes sport not only as a recreational or competitive activity but also as a multifaceted tool capable of generating significant impacts in social, economic, and environmental areas.

Physical activity and sport are intrinsically related to SDG 3 and its sub-targets, specifically closely related to the goal of “reducing mortality from non-communicable diseases”. Data corroborate this; according to the World Health Organization (WHO), regular physical activity can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary heart disease and stroke, by up to 35%. Similarly, studies have shown that regular exercise helps control blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, which is fundamental in the treatment and prevention of type 2 diabetes [5].

Furthermore, regular sports practice can not only contribute to the prevention of non-communicable diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, but also promote mental and physical well-being. Regular exercise has been associated with reduced stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as improved mood and self-esteem [6].

Therefore, there is no doubt that sport can be an effective tool to increase physical activity, reduce sedentary behavior, and promote healthy lifestyles, which has a direct impact on the health and well-being of individuals [3].

Moreover, sport can contribute to the prevention and treatment of addictions by offering healthy and constructive alternatives to channel energy and improve mental health. For example, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the United States, adolescents who do not participate in organized sports are twice as likely to consume alcohol as those who do [7].

The promotion of social inclusion through sport also aligns with SDG 3, as it seeks to ensure that everyone has access to health services and to address inequalities in access to healthcare. This is achieved through various means, such as promoting gender equality and social cohesion. In this vein, according to UNESCO, girls who participate in sports have higher school attendance rates, better academic outcomes, and greater self-esteem [8]. Additionally, according to data from the Laureus Foundation, 73% of young people participating in community sports programs reported feeling more connected to their community [9].

However, despite the recognition of its potential, there are still challenges and barriers that limit the full integration of sport into the sustainable development agenda, which requires priority attention and coordinated action. These challenges range from the lack of equitable access to sports practice to gender and socioeconomic inequalities in sports, as well as the need to address the negative environmental impacts associated with some sports activities [10].

First, the lack of equitable access to sports practice remains a significant problem in many communities worldwide. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), low-income individuals and marginalized communities face significant barriers to accessing adequate sports facilities and quality sports programs [11]. These access disparities can perpetuate socioeconomic and health inequalities, depriving certain groups of the physical, mental, and social benefits of sport [12].

Additionally, gender inequalities persist in sports, limiting the full and equitable participation of women and girls. According to a study by the United Nations Foundation, women continue to face discrimination and gender stereotypes in sport, resulting in fewer participation opportunities, less funding and recognition, and significant pay gaps compared to men. These inequalities not only affect women’s access to sport but also perpetuate restrictive social norms that limit their autonomy and empowerment in other aspects of life [13].

Furthermore, the negative environmental impacts associated with some sports activities raise concerns about the long-term sustainability of sport. For instance, the construction and maintenance of sports facilities often involve deforestation, loss of natural habitats, and pollution of water and soil. Additionally, large-scale sporting events can generate significant amounts of waste and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change and other environmental problems [14].

Consequently, it is evident that integrating sport into the sustainable development agenda requires addressing these challenges and barriers comprehensively and coordinatively. It is essential to adopt inclusive approaches that ensure equitable access to sport for all, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, or socioeconomic level. Moreover, policies and practices that promote gender equality in sports and reduce its environmental footprint must be implemented, fostering sustainable and responsible practices at all stages, from planning to executing sporting events. In this regard, the proposed literature review seeks to analyze and synthesize the most up-to-date scientific evidence on the role of sport in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, identifying challenges, opportunities, and best practices to inform future policies and actions.

Therefore, this systematic review aims to explore and analyze the contribution of sport to the SDGs, focusing on SDG 3. Especially, with what is related to the targets, it is considered that sport can contribute in a more effective and profitable way, such as target 3.4, which seeks to reduce mortality from non-communicable diseases, and 3.5, which is related to the prevention and treatment of addictions. Through a critical examination of the most recent scientific literature, it seeks to identify how sport can prevent non-communicable diseases, promote mental and physical health, and offer constructive alternatives for the prevention and treatment of addictions. Additionally, it will seek to identify best practices, challenges, and specific opportunities related to the role of sport in SDG 3. This study aims to provide a comprehensive and well-founded vision of the transformative potential of sport in the pursuit of a more sustainable and equitable future for all, in line with the goals established by the UN.

2. Methods

A systematic literature review of the scientific literature on the topic was conducted. The guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Network Analysis (PRISMA-NMA 2020, Supplementary Materials) statement were followed in its preparation [15].

First, a primary research question was formulated using the PICO format (Patients, Interventions, Comparisons, and Outcomes) as proposed by PRISMA-NMA [15] for systematic reviews (

Table 1. Representation of the keywords chosen in this review using the MeSH Thesaurus.

Keywords
MeSH	Synonymous MeSH
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)	Sustainable Development Objectives
Sports	Athletic Activities
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)	Sustainable Development Objectives
Sustainable Development Goal 3	Health
Non-communicable Diseases	Chronic Diseases
Prevention	Disease Prevention
Mental Health	Psychological Health
Health Promotion	Health Education
Substance-Related Disorders	Substance Abuse Disorders

); the resulting question was as follows: What is the impact of sport on the prevention of diseases and the promotion of health among different population groups, especially in vulnerable or marginalized communities, in the context of the SDGs related to health and well-being (SDG 3)?

The initial hypothesis supporting the research question was as follows. “It is expected that participation in sports activities and sports-related programs will have a positive impact on disease prevention and health promotion, especially among vulnerable or marginalized communities. It is postulated that regular sports practice will contribute to reducing risk factors associated with non-communicable chronic diseases, improving physical and mental health, and increasing the well-being and quality of life of individuals, thus aligning with the SDGs, particularly SDG 3 related to health and well-being. Furthermore, it is anticipated that these positive effects will be more pronounced in contexts where inclusive and equitable participation in sports activities is promoted, thereby addressing existing socioeconomic and gender inequalities”.

Second, a selection of the databases used was made.

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PubMed is a free-access search engine for the MEDLINE database of citations and abstracts of biomedical research articles.

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Scopus is a high-quality database used for complex searches.

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Web of Science is known for its recognized quality and thoroughness in collecting scientific literature. It provides extensive coverage of high-impact scientific journals. Additionally, its advanced search tools and bibliometric analysis functions facilitate the identification and evaluation of research quality, thus contributing to the robustness and reliability of the review.

Third, appropriate keywords were chosen using the DeCS Thesaurus tool [16], identifying MeSH terms from the nomenclature derived from the main research question. These were combined using Boolean or Logistic Operators, AND-OR-NOT, which logically connect concepts or groups of terms to expand, limit, or define the bibliographic search (Table 1).

Fourth, an initial screening of the articles selected using the combination of databases and keywords was carried out, eliminating duplicates, those that did not focus well on the main topic of interest, and those with unclear methodologies and inconsistent results. A series of exclusion/inclusion criteria were followed (

Table 2. Inclusion/exclusion criteria designed for this review study.

Inclusion Criteria	Exclusion Criteria
Observational cohort studies: retrospective, prospective, and cross-sectional.	Expert opinions, case reports, and letters to the editor/editorials.
Languages: English and Spanish.	Studies conducted with non-human samples.
Articles addressing the topic of cultural competence in nursing care for patients of various cultural backgrounds in hospital settings.	Studies with follow-up periods of less than 1 year.
Pediatric/adult population.	Patients who do not adhere to dietary regimes.
Sample size ≥ 7.	Studies with a non-representative or excessively small sample size to draw significant conclusions.
Articles examining the relationship between nursing staff cultural competence and quality of care, patient satisfaction, or reduction in health disparities.	Studies focusing solely on cultural competence training without examining its impact on nursing practice or patient outcomes.
Articles published in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

).

3. Results

The results presented in this literature review were conceived from a qualitative perspective, considering key aspects, such as the methodology and structure of the publications, and evaluated according to the PRISMA-NMA 2020 consensus [17] (Supplementary Materials).

The search was conducted in several stages. Initially, a preliminary exploration of key sources was carried out, followed by a refined search focused on relevant works. The second phase involved expanding the search to electronic databases and conducting a thorough review of bibliographic references. The final phase was dedicated to consolidating and organizing the collected information, identifying potential gaps in knowledge.

These stages ensured the thoroughness and relevance of the three literature searches, providing a solid foundation for the development of this research. During the screening of articles for the literature review, RefWorks was used to efficiently manage the references of the identified articles. This system allowed for the systematic import, organization, and classification of references, facilitating the review and selection of articles according to the pre-established criteria. Additionally, RefWorks enabled the removal of duplicates and the creation of bibliographic reference lists as needed for the review process. By utilizing RefWorks, the efficiency of the screening process was optimized, contributing to the identification and selection of relevant studies for the literature review.

The results obtained from the various databases totaled 940. Based on the established databases and keywords for the search, there were 112 from PubMed, 66 from Scopus, and 762 from Science Direct.

Table 3. Classification of selected articles according to the database from which they were extracted.

Database	PubMed	Scopus	Web of Science
Nº of Selected Articles	3	2	2
Nº of Total Articles	7

presents the final count of selected articles according to the database from which they were extracted.

The results after applying the criteria are presented in the flowchart provided. Twenty publications were removed due to duplication. Subsequently, the remaining articles were screened. The established eligibility criteria and the CASPe and GRADE systems were used to evaluate the quality of the publications.

Following this, 870 articles were excluded for not meeting the established criteria. The reasons for exclusion included the following. First, articles that did not meet the publication timeframe criterion were excluded, limiting the selection to studies published from 2015 onwards. Additionally, publications not written in English or Spanish were rejected to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the information. The specific inclusion of systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, clinical studies, or observational studies ensured the selection of studies with robust methodologies and clinically relevant results.

Methodological quality was a primary aspect of the selection process, and studies that did not meet rigorous methodological standards were excluded. Clarity in the objectives and methods employed was considered essential to facilitate critical evaluation and accurate interpretation of the results. Experimental studies, letters to the editor, editorials, narrative reviews, expert opinions, and studies that did not adhere to the prescribed dietary regimen were excluded.

Finally, studies with inconsistent results were removed, as identifying consistent patterns strengthens the internal validity of the review and allows for more reliable interpretations.

After this, 50 articles remained, which were carefully examined and selected for relevant references of interest.

Following this screening, twenty articles were identified, from which seven articles were selected for providing the most relevant information on the main study topic. The filtering process is illustrated in Figure 1. Additionally, the selected articles are listed in

Table 4. Selection of articles for the literature review.

Author	Year	Title
Campillo-Sánchez et al. [18]	2021	Sport and Sustainable Development Goals in Spain.
Baena-Morales et al. [19]	2021	Sustainable Development Goals and Physical Education. A Proposal for Practice-Based Models.
Mahindru et al. [20]	2023	Role of Physical Activity on Mental Health and Well-Being: A Review.
Popovic and Masanovic [21]	2019	Effects of Physical and Social Activity on Physical Health and Social Inclusion of Elderly People.
Salgado-Barandela et al. [22]	2017	Economic impact of sport: topic of growing interest for the scientific literature.
Dai and Menhas [23]	2023	Sustainable Development Goals, Sports and Physical Activity: The Localization of Health-Related Sustainable Development Goals Through Sports in China: A Narrative Review.
Csete et al. [24]	2016	Public health and international drug policy.

.

4. Discussion

The contribution of sports to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is analyzed, with a special focus on its impact on disease prevention and health promotion, particularly among vulnerable or marginalized communities. Based on the results obtained from the systematic literature review, an exploration is made of how sports can be a powerful tool to address public health and social challenges and promote sustainable development in various contexts. Subsections have been established according to the different objectives proposed for the bibliographic review.

• The relationship between sports and the SDGs, specifically SDG 3.

Campillo-Sánchez et al. conducted a review on how sports contribute to achieving the SDGs, particularly in Spain’s Autonomous Communities (CCAA) [18]. This review found that sports can impact several SDGs, including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The reasons for interlinking these specific SDGs with sports practice are varied. The relationship with SDG 3 is evident due to the positive impact of sports on health promotion and well-being. The research data reveal this, showing, for instance, that communities with lower sedentary rates presented better health markers.

Baena-Morales et al. analyzed the relationship between sports and SDG 3 through an exhaustive analysis of the specific objectives proposed by UNESCO and other institutions [25]. The results highlight that sports and physical education can directly and indirectly contribute to achieving several SDG 3 goals and targets. For example, sports can promote mental health and emotional well-being, thereby contributing to target 3.4, which aims to improve mental health and well-being. Evidence supports that regular physical activity can enhance quality of life and reduce the risk of depression and anxiety.

Additionally, it is noted that sports can help keep young people away from substance abuse (target 3.5) by providing healthy alternatives and structured activities that promote healthy lifestyles. Csete et al. (2016) point out that the SDGs embody both the values of rights and justice for all of the United Nations Charter and the responsibility of States to rely on the best scientific evidence in their search for a better humanity. In 2016, these same states considered the control of illicit drugs, an area of social policy that has been plagued by controversy and considered incompatible with human rights standards, with sport being one of the areas in which they must contribute and monitor compliance with these rights [24]. The relationship between sports and sexual education is also emphasized, as it can contribute to sexual education by promoting body awareness and strengthening sexuality (target 3.7). These findings are also shared by Popovic and Masanovic [21].

However, Baena-Morales et al. recognize that not all SDG 3 targets have a direct relationship with sports [26]. For example, target 3.3 on disease transmission is not directly addressable in this context. Despite this, the importance of sports and physical activity in promoting health and well-being is emphasized, making sports a key tool for achieving SDG 3.

• The impact of sports on health and well-being.

In this regard, it is important to promote physical activity to address non-communicable diseases and improve mental health, particularly in communities with lower levels of physical activity [18].

Along the same lines, the results obtained by Mahindru et al. reveal the significant contribution of physical activity to physical and mental well-being [20]. Regarding its role in mental health, physical activity has been shown to improve mood and self-esteem and reduce stress, which can positively impact mental health. During physical activity, the human body produces endorphins and endocannabinoids, neurochemicals associated with pleasure and reduced pain sensitivity, which contribute to improved mental health. Additionally, regular exercise enhances attention, memory, cognition, and decision making, which can benefit mental health and emotional well-being. Regular physical activity also improves the functioning of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, reduces cortisol secretion, and restores the balance of leptin and ghrelin, which can positively affect mental health.

Regarding the effects of sports on depressive and anxiety disorders, regular sports practice has been associated with reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety in people of all ages. Along these lines, yoga has been shown to be effective as a complementary therapy for depression, improving patients’ mood and quality of life.

Concerning the impact on physical health, there is extensive evidence of its positive effects. Sports can contribute to preventing non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. Regular physical activity is also associated with reduced risk of depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as improved mood and sleep quality. Additionally, it plays a significant role in the rehabilitation of diseases and injuries, helping individuals recover their health and functionality after an adverse event [20,27].

The role of sports in managing alcoholism also contributes to the physical and emotional well-being of the affected population. This assertion is possible because alcoholism is closely related to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. These disorders can negatively impact a person’s ability to participate in social activities and form meaningful relationships with others. Furthermore, the social stigma associated with alcoholism can lead to exclusion and social isolation. Therefore, facilitating the management of this social problem contributes to reducing all the concomitant difficulties [28].

The research on the impact of sports on the health of the elderly population provides solid evidence of the benefits of sports and physical activity on the health and well-being of older adults. It is highlighted that physical activity is positively associated with various aspects of quality of life, including functional capacity, mental health, vitality, and autonomy [21].

• The economic contribution of sports.

The economic contribution of sports is a topic of growing interest in the scientific literature, as shown by the research conducted by Salgado-Barandela et al. [22]. Their research found an exponential evolution in scientific production related to the economic impact of sports, with an annual growth rate of 18% and a doubling of publications every four years. This growth reflects the recognition of the economic importance of sports in contemporary society.

It is important to note that sports not only have a direct economic impact but also influence other aspects of the economy, such as tourism, urban development, and job creation. Sporting events, in particular, can attract large numbers of tourists and generate significant income for host communities. Additionally, the construction of sports facilities and the organization of events can stimulate investment and urban development in previously neglected areas.

The research also reveals that sports not only generate income but also impact the perception and well-being of communities. For example, sporting events can enhance a city’s image and promote civic pride among local residents. Furthermore, participation in sports activities can have public health benefits, which in turn can reduce healthcare costs and increase labor productivity.

Another important aspect is the internationalization of sports and its role in the global economy. Large-scale sporting events, such as the Olympic Games and the FIFA World Cup, attract the attention of international audiences and generate income through broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and tourism. This highlights the importance of sports as a global economic driver. Investment in sports infrastructure and events can boost local and regional economic development and foster job creation in areas such as tourism, hospitality, transportation, and entertainment [19].

Regarding the impact on industrial development, the manufacturing of sports equipment, the commercialization of sports-related products and services, and the provision of training and coaching services can contribute to economic growth and economic diversification [23].

The contribution of sports to social inclusion among the elderly population reveals a higher proportion of female participants among older adults. This is related to factors such as women’s longer life expectancy and greater ability to form social bonds, highlighting the role of sports in social inclusion and gender equality [21].

• The role of sports in social inclusion and gender equality.

Campillo-Sánchez et al. found significant gender differences in sports participation across all CCAAs, with more positive results for men than for women. The need to address gender inequalities in sports and promote social inclusion in all communities is emphasized. The inequalities obtained in the indicators of sports licenses and level of sports practice confirm that sport is still a traditionally masculine field in which the gender inequalities that exist in other areas of society are manifested more clearly. There is still a lot of work to do for gender equality, and the great importance of national sports programs, such as “Universe Women” of the Higher Sports Council, whose objective is the promotion and increase in female participation in all areas of sport, are also aligned with the international premises of the 2030 Agenda to improve its effectiveness [18]. In contrast, Dai and Menhas state that sports can challenge gender stereotypes and empower women and girls by offering them opportunities to demonstrate their skills and strengths in a sporting environment [23]. Additionally, sports can promote social inclusion by fostering collaboration, teamwork, and mutual respect among people from different cultural, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds.

Physical activity can help manage alcohol use disorders by reducing cravings, improving mental health, and providing a healthy alternative to substance use. Furthermore, it can help mitigate the negative health consequences associated with alcohol use, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases [19,20].

This effect of sports practice results in a contribution to the social inclusion of people with alcohol-related problems. It is known that alcoholism is a significant barrier to social inclusion due to its impact on cognitive function and decision making. For example, longitudinal studies have shown that people with alcohol problems are more likely to experience interpersonal relationship breakdowns, job loss, and legal issues, which can contribute to their social isolation and marginalization.

• Environmental practices.

Sports and physical activity can promote sustainable environmental practices by encouraging the use of non-motorized transportation, such as walking and cycling, which reduce air pollution and promote sustainable mobility. Additionally, sports can contribute to environmental awareness and resource protection by promoting the responsible use of natural spaces and the adoption of environmental management practices in sports facilities and events [19,23]. Likewise, physical education and sport facilitate the creation of an ideal context to promote environmental care. This is achieved through actions, such as the promotion of active trips to school and the work on sports content in natural environments, such as orienteering or climbing, complemented with transversal activities in natural environments [19].

• Challenges and obstacles to integrating sports into the 2030 Agenda.

Challenges related to the lack of coherence in sports policies and regional disparities in access and resources are highlighted. The need to overcome socioeconomic and gender barriers to ensure equitable access to sports in all communities is emphasized.

One of the main challenges to integrating sports into the 2030 Agenda is ensuring equitable access to sports and physical activity for everyone, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. This may require the removal of structural barriers, such as the lack of accessible and safe sports infrastructure, as well as the adoption of policies and programs that promote inclusive participation in sports and physical activity.

Additionally, it is also important to address gender stereotypes and cultural barriers that may limit participation in sports and physical activity, especially for women and girls. This may require the implementation of awareness and training programs that promote gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in sports and physical activity.

Among the obstacles highlighted [19], the effective integration of sports into the 2030 Agenda is mentioned. The authors emphasize the need to ensure equitable access to sports and physical activity for everyone, regardless of gender, age, or socioeconomic status. For example, they highlight the importance of addressing gender stereotypes and cultural barriers that may limit participation in sports and physical activity, especially for women and girls. Additionally, they mention the need to remove structural barriers, such as the lack of accessible and safe sports infrastructure, and to adopt policies and programs that promote inclusive participation in sports and physical activity [29].

• Limitations and future directions.

The scarcity of specific articles that have resulted from the selection will have to be considered a significant limitation. Most of the included studies were cross-sectional in design, which limits the ability to establish causal relationships between physical activity and quality of life in the elderly. Future research could benefit from longitudinal or intervention designs to more accurately assess the long-term effects of physical activity on quality of life.

Moreover, certain domains of quality of life, such as past, present, and future activities, intimacy, and sensory ability, were evaluated in only a limited number of studies. More research is needed to address these less-studied aspects to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between physical activity and quality of life in the elderly.

Regarding future directions, it is crucial to explore the underlying mechanisms and mediating variables that influence this relationship, as well as to include a more thorough analysis of potential confounding variables. Additionally, geographical and cultural diversification in future studies will allow for a more comprehensive understanding and broader generalization of findings on a global scale. Addressing these areas is essential to enhance our understanding of this crucial topic in the future.

5. Conclusions

This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the contribution of sport to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It concludes that sport significantly impacts sustainable development, particularly in terms of health and well-being, gender equality, economic development, social inclusion, and environmental practices. Although challenges exist in terms of equitable access and overcoming socioeconomic and gender barriers, sport emerges as a powerful tool for addressing public health and social issues, as well as promoting sustainable development. It is crucial to address the identified limitations and explore new research directions to maximize the potential of sport in the future.