What can global positioning systems tell us about the contribution of different types of urban greenspace to children's physical activity?

Abstract

Urban greenspace is hypothesised to be an important location for physical activity in children, but their actual use of the resource to be active is not well known. In this study, global positioning systems (GPS) and accelerometers were used to measure activity within green environments for 902 English children aged 11-12. We summarised activity intensities in different types of greenspace on weekday evenings, weekend days and by season. Around half of outdoor moderate-vigorous activity took place in greenspace at the weekend and use was consistent across seasons. The findings suggest the importance of certain types of greenspace to children's physical activity.