Determining Factors in the Use of Urban Parks That Influence the Practice of Physical Activity in Children: A Systematic Review

Abstract

The design and/or remodelling of urban parks is a good health strategy to alleviate the lack of physical activity (PA) in children and, consequently, the different health problems derived from this. The main objective of the present study was to obtain a systematic review of the design features and characteristics that influence users’ visits to urban parks and the PA engagement in them. A literature search was carried out in the Web of Science (WOS) and Scopus databases during the months of June and July 2020. After considering and applying inclusion criteria, the final review sample was formed of 31 scientific papers published between 2010–2020. The results obtained in the review lead us to conclude that the needs of the population (children and family members who care for them) and socio-economic context of the area in which they are built must be considered when constructing and/or remodelling parks. Involving community members in playground renovations can have a positive effect on park use and PA engagement in children.

To Create a Safe and Healthy Place for Children: The Associations of Green Open Space Characteristics With Children's Use

“…The study found that the layout of GOS was obviously related to the spatial distribution of children's PA. Children often stayed and played around the sports field, playground, squares, and grassland with cover, according to their location records. The findings aligned with previous studies showing that these areas were the most attractive part of GOS ( 56 , 57 ). The areas with recreational facilities and natural features could always facilitate more outdoor play for children because they provided abundant attractive places to promote enthusiastic and diverse activities.…”

Associations between Neighborhood Deprivation Index, Parent Perceptions and Preschooler Lifestyle Behaviors

“…A study with 6 to 11 (n = 724) year old children reported that children whose parents perceived their neighborhood as safe for walking and cycling were more likely to use public recreation facilities such as parks and playgrounds [10]. Furthermore, parents' satisfaction with quality and park design was also associated with park usage [44][45][46]. According to a systematic review of the literature, factors that may encourage park and playground usage include being close to home, providing a space that supports sport, playground equipment, and being safe and clean [44].…”

“…Furthermore, parents' satisfaction with quality and park design was also associated with park usage [44][45][46]. According to a systematic review of the literature, factors that may encourage park and playground usage include being close to home, providing a space that supports sport, playground equipment, and being safe and clean [44]. Moreover, many studies have supported the hypothesis that children who more frequently use parks/playgrounds have a lower BMI, less screen time, and greater overall physical activity [10,11,13,[47][48][49][50].…”

Bewegungsmangel und mögliche gesundheitliche Auswirkungen der Covid-19-Pandemie auf Kinder und Jugendliche

“…Neben finanziellen Unterstützungen in (besonders) bedürftigen Familien ist die Förderung eines gesunden Lebensstils durch eine entsprechende Gestaltung von Lebenswelten und Bewegungsräumen mit Parkanlagen, Grünflächen, Spielplätzen et cetera im Sinne einer gesteigerten Moveability sinnvoll (Padial-Ruz et al. 2021 ). Auch wenn verhältnispräventive Interventionen am ehesten erfolgversprechend sind, werden Maßnahmen im Bereich der öffentlichen Gesundheit oft unzureichend finanziert.…”