More than a third of women will be inspired by the Rio 2016 Olympics to take part in physical activity, according to a study commissioned by the Sport and Recreation Alliance.

The survey found that 38 per cent of women feel that the event will give them a shot of encouragement when it comes to going out and getting active, compared to 27 per cent of their male counterparts.

Alliance chief executive Emma Boggis said that sporting events were “one way to encourage the nation to be more active” and it was “promising to see that women are responding positively to Rio 2016”.

“Inspiration is one thing, putting it into practice is another and that is why so many of our members run programmes and initiatives for women and men, young and old to help get the nation moving through grassroots sport and recreation,” she added.

A number of initiatives were referenced by the Alliance as activities women could take part in if they were inspired to participate in sport.

The Lawn Tennis Association’s (LTA) Tennis Tuesdays, which is designed for 20-34 year-old women, and the Football Association’s (FA) Soccercise – and aerobic class combined with football – were highlighted.

Women becoming increasingly physically active is also a positive sign for the next generation, added Boggis.

She said: “It is also important given we know that women are often the decision makers when it comes to the activities their children do or they do as a family.”