title: Take a walk in the park? A cross-over pilot trial comparing brisk walking in two different environments: park and urban.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of the present study is to investigate whether differences exist between a 30 minute brisk walk taken in two different environments in order to determine which environment best facilitates current physical activity guidelines: park or urban.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this randomised cross-over pilot study, participants performed a self-timed 30 minute brisk walk in two different environments, park and urban, in Glasgow, Scotland (October 2009 to January 2010). Cadence, recorded using the activPAL™ activity monitor, was used to measure intensity. Outcome measures were: mean cadence; moderate-to-vigorous physical activity time accumulated in bouts lasting ≥ 10 min; number of walking breaks; and duration.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A convenience sample of 40 healthy adults was recruited: 16 males, 24 females, mean age 22.9 (5.5) years. The mean cadence for the whole walk was higher in the park: 119.3 (8.3) vs. 110.9 (8.9) steps/min. Participants accumulated more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in ≥ 10 minute bouts during park walks: 25.5 (9.6) [median (interquartile range)] vs. 14.0 (20.3) min. There was no difference in self-timed duration between locations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Participants accumulated more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in bouts ≥ 10 min in duration on park walks due to the lack of interruptions in walking. Hence the park environment better facilitated the achievement of current physical activity guidelines. Further research involving a larger, more heterogeneous sample is recommended.
authors.affiliation: School of Health & Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK. ceri.sellers@gcu.ac.uk
authors.forename: C E
authors.initials: CE
authors.lastname: Sellers
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Grant
authors.forename: C G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Ryan
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: O'Kane
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Raw
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Conn
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004777:Environment; D016552:Ergometry; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D005082:Physical Exertion; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012606:Scotland; D014504:Urban Health; D016138:Walking