Greenway interventions effectively enhance physical activity levels—A systematic review with meta-analysis

Background The association between urban green spaces, especially street greenery, and physical activity (PA) in older adults is understudied. This study utilized Baidu Street View images and deep learning techniques to objectively assess street greenery exposure and its relationship with different types of PA among older adults in China. Methods This study investigated 1326 older adults (aged 60 or above) living in Beijing, China. Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) was used to assess the PA level of older adults. Baidu Street View images and deep learning were used to assess the level of street greenery in the 500-meter buffer zone around the community. The study employed ANOVA, Chi-square tests, and multilevel linear regression to analyze the data. Results After controlling for individual factors, household economic income, and other confounders, the multilevel linear regression model showed that street greenery was significantly and positively correlated with transportation PA (β = 0.08, P < 0.01). There was no significant correlation between street greenery and leisure PA, household PA (P>0.05). Conclusions The level of street greenery around the community is significantly associated with transportation PA among Chinese older adults. It is recommended that the planning of urban green spaces should focus on street greenery, add bicycle lanes and sidewalks, and provide safe and comfortable environments to motivate older adults to actively participate in PA.

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Multi-Context Strategies and Opportunities for Increasing Levels of Physical Activity in Children and Young People: A Literature Review

Arufe-Giráldez,

Pereira Loureiro,

Groba González

et al. 2024

Children

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Background: In today’s society, low levels of physical activity are observed in the child and adolescent population, which can cause numerous pathologies, such as obesity and mental health problems. Objective: This article aims to compile all the contexts and scenarios where it is possible to increase the levels of daily physical activity of children and young people, and which have significant scientific support. Method. To do so, a literature review was carried out examining four key contexts for intervention: school, extracurricular, family, and socio-community. Results: The results indicate that the school context, with strategies such as physical education classes and active breaks, is crucial but insufficient on its own, so it is essential to complement it with interventions in extracurricular, family, and socio-community environments. The involvement of families, access to adequate infrastructure such as parks and green areas, and the responsible use of technology, including active video games and the role of influencers on social networks, are presented as key elements to combat a sedentary lifestyle. Conclusions: It is important to highlight the importance of establishing socio-educational programs that adopt a comprehensive approach to promote physical activity in children and youth, highlighting the scientific evidence that supports the effectiveness of intervening in multiple scenarios. This review concludes that a coordinated approach between different actors (schools, families, communities) is necessary to ensure that children and youth reach adequate levels of physical activity, which not only improves their physical health, but also their mental well-being and cognitive development.

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Greenway interventions effectively enhance physical activity levels—A systematic review with meta-analysis

Cited by 3 publications

References 61 publications

Urban greenway planning: Identifying optimal locations for active travel corridors through individual mobility assessment

Urban greenway planning: Identifying optimal locations for active travel corridors through individual mobility assessment

Association between Street Greenery and Physical Activity among Chinese Older Adults in Beijing, China

Multi-Context Strategies and Opportunities for Increasing Levels of Physical Activity in Children and Young People: A Literature Review

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