costigan-crosssectional-2017.pdf (396.97 kB)
A cross-sectional investigation of the importance of park features for promoting regular physical activity in parks
journal contribution
posted on 2017-11-02, 00:00 authored by Sarah CostiganSarah Costigan, Jenny VeitchJenny Veitch, David CrawfordDavid Crawford, Alison Carver, Anna TimperioAnna TimperioINTRODUCTION: Parks in the US and Australia are generally underutilised, and park visitors typically engage in low levels of physical activity (PA). Better understanding park features that may encourage visitors to be active is important. This study examined the perceived importance of park features for encouraging park-based PA and examined differences by sex, age, parental-status and participation in PA. METHODS: Cross-sectional surveys were completed by local residents (n = 2775) living near two parks (2013/2015). Demographic variables, park visitation and leisure-time PA were self-reported, respondents rated the importance of 20 park features for encouraging park-based PA in the next fortnight. Chi-square tests of independence examined differences in importance of park features for PA among sub-groups of local residents (sex, age, parental-status, PA). RESULTS: Park features ranked most important for park-based PA were: well maintained (96.2%), feel safe (95.4%), relaxing atmosphere (91.2%), easy to get to (91.7%), and shady trees (90.3%). All subgroups ranked 'well maintained' as most important. CONCLUSIONS: Natural and built environment features of parks are important for promoting adults' park-based PA, and should be considered in park (re)design.
History
Journal
International journal of environmental research and public healthVolume
14Issue
11Article number
1335Pagination
1 - 10Publisher
MDPILocation
Basel, SwitzerlandPublisher DOI
Link to full text
ISSN
1661-7827eISSN
1660-4601Language
engPublication classification
C Journal article; C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalCopyright notice
2017, The AuthorsUsage metrics
Categories
No categories selectedKeywords
Licence
Exports
RefWorks
BibTeX
Ref. manager
Endnote
DataCite
NLM
DC