A cross-sectional study examining predictors of visit frequency to local green space and the impact this has on physical activity levels

Abstract

BackgroundLack of physical activity (PA) is a growing public health concern. There is a growing body of literature that suggests a positive relationship may exist between the amount of local green space near one’s home and PA levels. For instance, park proximity has been shown to predict PA levels amongst certain populations. However, there is little evidence for the role of relatedness towards nature and perceptions of local green space on this relationship. The aim of this study was to examine, in a National UK sample, whether subjective indices associated with local green space were better predictors of visit frequency to local green space and PA levels compared to objectively measured quantity of local green space.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was designed. From a random sample, 2079 working age adults responded to an online survey in September 2011. Demographics, self-reported PA, objective measures of the local environment (including local green space, road coverage, and environmental deprivation), were assessed in conjunction with perceptions of local green space and nature relatedness. Quantity of local green space was assessed by cross-referencing respondents’ home postcodes with general land use databases. Regression models were conducted to assess which of our independent variables best predicted visit frequency to local green space and/or meeting PA guidelines. In addition, an ordinal regression was run to examine the relationship between visit frequency to local green space and the likelihood of meeting national PA guidelines.ResultsNature relatedness was the strongest predictor for both visit frequency to local green space and meeting PA guidelines. Results show that perceived quality is a better predictor of visit frequency to local green space than objective quantity of local green space. The odds of achieving the recommended amount of PA was over four times greater for people who visited local green space once per week compared to never going (OR 4.151; 95 % CI, 2.40 to 7.17).ConclusionsThese results suggest that perceptions of local green space and nature relatedness play an important role in the relationship between local green space and PA. Considering the known health benefits of PA, our results are potentially important for public health interventions, policy making and environmental planning.

Physical Activity, Residential Environment, and Nature Relatedness in Young Men—A Population-Based MOPO Study

“…It is known that people with stronger nature relatedness tend to prefer—that is, make more frequent visits to—naturally green areas and parks [31]. In addition, environmental greenness has been found to be related to physical activity in several studies but, thus far, mainly among adults [43,44,45,46]. Our study suggested that spending time in nature was positively connected to nature relatedness, especially among those whose nature relatedness was weaker.…”

Association between physical activity and vitamin D: A narrative literature review

“…47 The practice of physical activity interacting with nature may be important for recovery of this directed attention, which is closely linked to the process of regaining balance. [48][49][50][51] The sufficiency of vitamin D has been related to the mental health of the individuals due to the presence of receptors of this vitamin in cells inside the brain, [52][53][54] also favoring their cognitive performance. 55,56 25(OH)D, in a cross-sectional analysis, was associated with the cognitive decline of subjects over 65 years.…”

Is Green Exercise for All? A Descriptive Study of Green Exercise Habits and Promoting Factors in Adult Norwegians

“…However, when it comes to PA participation, the physical and perceived environment plays a central role [14]. Especially, to engage in GE, it is important that people perceive having access to safe and attractive natural environments that can support PA [15,16]. However, a systematic review of the literature emphasized that the extent to which people use available natural environments for PA purposes can also be influenced by individual determinants such as age, sex and ethnicity [10].…”