title: Environmental barriers and enablers to physical activity participation among rural adults: a qualitative study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Social-ecological models of health behaviour acknowledge environmental influences, but research examining how the environment shapes physical activity in rural settings is limited. This study aimed to explore the environmental factors that act as barriers or facilitators to physical activity participation among rural adults.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-nine adults from three regions of rural Tasmania, Australia, participated in semi-structured interviews that explored features of the environment that supported or hindered physical activity. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four key themes emerged: functionality, diversity, spaces and places for all and realistic expectations. 'Functionality' included connectivity with other destinations, distance, safety, continuity, supporting infrastructure and surfacing. While there was limited 'diversity' of structured activities and recreational facilities, the importance of easy and convenient access to a natural environment that accommodated physical activity was highlighted. 'Spaces and places for all' highlighted the importance of shared-use areas, particularly those that were family- and dog-friendly. Despite desires for more physical activity opportunities, many participants had 'realistic expectations' of what was feasible in rural settings.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Functionality, diversity, spaces and places for all and realistic expectations were identified as considerations important for physical activity among rural adults. Further research using quantitative approaches in larger samples is needed to confirm these findings. SO WHAT? Urban-centric views of environmental influences on physical activity are unlikely to be entirely appropriate for rural areas. Evidence-based recommendations are provided for creating new or modifying existing infrastructure to support active living in rural settings.
authors.affiliation: Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 23, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia.
authors.forename: Verity
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Cleland
authors.affiliation: School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 135, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia.
authors.forename: Clarissa
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hughes
authors.affiliation: School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia.
authors.forename: Lukar
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Thornton
authors.affiliation: Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 23, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia.
authors.forename: Kathryn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Squibb
authors.affiliation: Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 23, Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia.
authors.forename: Alison
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Venn
authors.affiliation: School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria 3125, Australia.
authors.forename: Kylie
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Ball
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001642:Bicycling; D004285:Dogs; D004777:Environment; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012424:Rural Population; D012449:Safety; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013648:Tasmania; D016138:Walking