The relationship between leisure, walking, and transportation activity with the natural environment

Health Place. 2007 Sep;13(3):588-602. doi: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2006.07.002. Epub 2006 Aug 24.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to quantify the agreement between perceived and objective measures of the natural environment and to assess their associations with physical activity. Perception of the natural environment was obtained through survey data. Objective measures of weather and hills were created using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). When objective measures were compared to respondent's perceptions little agreement was found. Objective measures were not associated with any physical activity outcomes; however, several associations were seen between perceived measures and physical activity. These results indicate that researchers should consider perceptions of the natural environment when developing physical activity interventions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Environment*
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Female
  • Geographic Information Systems
  • Health Behavior*
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mississippi
  • Motor Activity / physiology*
  • North Carolina
  • Self Efficacy
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Transportation* / methods
  • Walking / physiology*