Community Design and Access to Recreational Facilities as Correlates of Adolescent Physical Activity and Body-Mass Index

Gregory J. Norman; Sandra K. Nutter; James F. Sallis; Karen J. Calfas; Kevin Patrick

doi:10.1123/jpah.3.s1.s118

journal article Feb 01, 2006

Community Design and Access to Recreational Facilities as Correlates of Adolescent Physical Activity and Body-Mass Index

Gregory J. Norman Sandra K. Nutter James F. Sallis

Karen J. Calfas Kevin Patrick

Journal of Physical Activity and Health Vol. 3 No. s1 pp. S118-S128 · Human Kinetics

View at Publisher Save 10.1123/jpah.3.s1.s118

Abstract

Background:Neighborhood-level environmental features have been associated with adult physical activity and weight status, but this link has not been established for adolescents.Methods:Community design and access to recreational facilities variables were derived using geographic information systems (GIS) for 799 adolescents (age 11 to 15 y, mean = 12.8 y, 53% girls, 43% ethnic minority). Environment variables were calculated for a 1-mile buffer around each participant’s residence. Accelerometers measured min/d of physical activity.Results:Number of nearby recreation facilities and number of nearby parks correlated positively with girls’ physical activity, and intersection density inversely related to girls’ physical activity. Retail floor area ratio correlated positively with boys’ physical activity. No community design or access to recreation variables were related to BMI-percentile.Conclusions:There was limited evidence that both community design and access to recreation facilities variables were associated with adolescent physical activity, but additional built environment variables need to be studied that have particular relevance for youth.

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Published: Feb 01, 2006
Vol/Issue: 3(s1)
Pages: S118-S128

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Cite This Article

Gregory J. Norman, Sandra K. Nutter, James F. Sallis, et al. (2006). Community Design and Access to Recreational Facilities as Correlates of Adolescent Physical Activity and Body-Mass Index. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 3(s1), S118-S128. https://doi.org/10.1123/jpah.3.s1.s118

Community Design and Access to Recreational Facilities as Correlates of Adolescent Physical Activity and Body-Mass Index

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