Built environment and psychosocial factors associated with trail proximity and use.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the relationships among neighborhood built environment characteristics, psychosocial factors, perceived and objective proximity assessments, and use of a community rail-trail.


METHODS
Telephone survey data of adults (n=788) in Morgantown, WVa, were classified into one of 4 distance-perception categories based on actual (using geographic information systems technology) and perceived proximity of a community rail-trail.


RESULTS
Differences in psychosocial barriers to physical activity (P=.037) and perceived neighborhood walkability (P<.001) were associated with perceived proximity to and use of a community trail.


CONCLUSIONS
Specific attention should be given to address neighborhood and psychosocial barriers when constructing and promoting community trails.
Abildso
Christiaan G
CG
Sport and Exercise Psychology Program, West Virginia University School of Physical Education, Morgantown, WV, USA.
Zizzi
Sam
S
Abildso
Laurie C
LC
Steele
Jenessa C
JC
Gordon
Paul M
PM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004779:Environment Design; D005260:Female; D040362:Geographic Information Systems; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011633:Public Facilities / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012111:Residence Characteristics / Q000145:classification* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012647:Self-Assessment; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013334:Students; D014504:Urban Health; D016138:Walking / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014903:West Virginia