The association of neighborhood design and recreational environments with physical activity.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the association of neighborhood design factors and recreational environments with physical activity.


METHODS
Randomly selected adults (n = 102, 52% female, 81% white, mean age = 48 years) completed a survey of eight neighborhood design variables, convenient recreational facilities, and availability of home equipment. Physical activity was measured by self-report and 7 days of accelerometer monitoring.


RESULTS
Residential density and an overall environment index were significantly related to both vigorous-intensity self-reported (r = .35 and .28, respectively) and objectively measured physical activity (r = .39 and .23, respectively). Home equipment was correlated with self-reported total (r = .34) and vigorous leisure-time physical activity (r = .27). The vigorous and total activity accelerometer measures were correlated with street connectivity (r = .25 and .21, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
Few self-reported neighborhood design factors and recreational environment variables were correlated with physical activity, and some findings were unexpected.
Atkinson
Jennifer L
JL
San Diego State University, California 92103, USA.
Sallis
James F
JF
Saelens
Brian E
BE
Cain
Kelli L
KL
Black
Jennifer B
JB
D000328:Adult; D004779:Environment Design; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011998:Recreation; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D016138:Walking