title: The effect of proximity on park and beach use and physical activity among rural adolescents.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Associations between access to environments and levels of physical activity (PA) among adolescents have been established; however the influence of neighborhood design barriers (eg, major roads) on these relationships is less understood.
  
  
  METHODS
  In 2006, adolescents (n = 1304) in rural Western Australia completed the Up4it Physical Activity Survey measuring frequency and duration of organized and nonorganized physical activity by season. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) were used to objectively measure distance to nearest park and beach and busy road barriers en route to these destinations.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Proximity to parks and beaches was associated with use of these environments for PA among adolescents, but this relationship attenuated after adjustment for presence of a major road. Park and beach use was positively associated with achieving recommended levels of PA. Paradoxically, proximity to these environments was not associated with achieving recommended levels of PA. Results suggest access to parks and beaches is necessary but may be insufficient to achieve recommended levels of PA. These relationships varied by season.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Strategies should be put in place to encourage use of proximate supportive environments. Planning neighborhoods to reduce barriers to access and interventions to overcome seasonal variations in behavior may improve participation levels among adolescents.
authors.affiliation: Dept of Population Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
authors.forename: Nicole Joy
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Edwards
authors.forename: Billie
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Giles-Corti
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Larson
authors.forename: Bridget
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Beesley
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004777:Environment; D004779:Environment Design; D005260:Female; D040362:Geographic Information Systems; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity; D010379:Peer Group; D012111:Residence Characteristics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012424:Rural Population; D012944:Social Support; D014904:Western Australia