Access to parks and physical activity: An eight country comparison

Abstract

Several systematic reviews have reported mixed associations between access to parks and physical activity, and suggest that this is due to inconsistencies in the study methods or differences across countries. An international study using consistent methods is needed to investigate the association between access to parks and physical activity. The International Physical Activity and Environment Network (IPEN) Adult Study is a multi-country cross-sectional study using a common design and consistent methods. Accelerometer, survey and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data for 6,181 participants from 12 cities in 8 countries (Belgium, Brazil, Czech Republic, Denmark, Mexico, New Zealand, UK, USA) were used to estimate the strength and shape of associations of 11 measures of park access (1 perceived and 10 GIS-based measures) with accelerometer-based moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and four types of self-reported leisure-time physical activity. Associations were estimated using generalized additive mixed models. More parks within 1 km from participants’ homes were associated with greater leisure-time physical activity and accelerometer-measured MVPA. Respondents who lived in the neighborhoods with the most parks did on average 24 minutes more MVPA per week than those living in the neighborhoods with the lowest number of parks. Perceived proximity to a park was positively associated with multiple leisure-time physical activity outcomes. Associations were homogeneous across all cities studied. Living in neighborhoods with many parks could contribute with up to 1/6 of the recommended weekly Having multiple parks nearby was the strongest positive correlate of PA. To increase comparability and validity of park access measures, we recommend that researchers, planners and policy makers use the number of parks within 1 km travel distance of homes as an objective indicator for park access in relation to physical activity.

Influences of Built Environment with Hilly Terrain on Physical Activity in Dalian, China: An Analysis of Mediation by Perceptions and Moderation by Social Environment

“…In contrast, land use mix and connectivity had inverse impacts on sense of community, implying that these two characters had more complicated associations between physical and mental health. Further, the number of parks within the community was related to VPA as expected, because parks in the neighborhood can facilitate engagement in leisure-time physical activity [47]. In addition to the park, this study added other service facilities that might encourage recreational physical activity [48], including gyms, outdoor sports venues, and fitness places, which also showed positive associations.…”

Cognitive Effects and Educational Possibilities of Physical Activity in Sustainable Cities

“…This is why cities should show a greater proportion of green spaces and leisure areas in relation to the meters built [52]. We must increase the number of parks per inhabitant in such a way that all citizens have a nearby recreational area (less than 1 km), with easy access on foot or by bicycle [53][54][55]. In this sense, pocket parks seem to be an effective and economical solution [56].…”

“…Several studies reported associations between access to parks and PA [53]. In total, 6181 people from 12 cities in 8 different countries participated in The International Physical Activity and Environment Network (IPEN) Adult Study, which determined that living near a park (less than 1 km) can contribute with up to 1/6 of the PA recommended per week.…”

Innovative solutions to enhance safe and green environments for ageing well using stakeholder co-design.

“…Novel strategies have been implemented to facilitate interaction with green spaces including community walking maps [25] and social walking groups [26], to discourage sedentary behaviour and help older adults reap the health benefits from these surroundings and social interactions. Having a greater abundance of parks, located within close proximity to older people's homes may be one solution to increase physical activity [27]. However, overcoming challenges in maintaining parks that are safe, accessible, clean, attractive and nuisance-free, may determine the extent to which public green spaces are utilised [6].…”