8/10/2023 0 Comments Webber park playgroundTwo studies have looked at physical activity levels and features of playgrounds or schoolyards specifically. Inconsistent results across age and gender were found in this study. Finally, Timperio, Giles-Corti, Crawford et al., examined 10 features of the nearest public open space (e.g., availability of paths, lighting, signage, number of playgrounds) with physical activity levels as measured by accelerometry after school and on weekends in children 8-9 years and 13-15 years old. ![]() In this same study, availability of 12 other park features such as paved trails, ball diamonds and basketball courts were not associated with healthy weight status in children. Another study found the availability of a playground within one kilometer of a child's home was associated with a healthy weight in children as self reported by the parent. Specifically, Cohen et al found that girls who lived near parks with running tracks, playgrounds, basketball courts, street and flood lights were more likely to have higher levels of vigorous activity outside of school as measured by accelerometry relative to girls who did not have parks with these features and amenities nearby. ![]() ![]() Number of amenities (i.e., drinking fountains, benches, trash cans) was not associated with park utilization for physical activity after controlling for number of features.Ī few studies have examined whether proximity to parks with specific features was associated with physical activity levels in children and adolescents, though none of these studies captured whether the participants gained activity at the park locations. They found that the availability of more features (e.g., trails, wooded area, playground, base diamond, basketball court), in particular trails, was associated with adult utilization of the parks for physical activity. Only one study of adults used a detailed assessment of park features and amenities, which was correlated with self reported physical activity. They reported paved trails were the most frequently used activity setting for both genders, while softball and baseball fields were the second most heavily used activity setting for males and swimming pools were the second most commonly used setting for females. In a similar study, Reed et al examined 25 parks to determine the most and least frequently used activity settings using direct observation. They reported the greatest amount of energy expenditure was at tennis/racquetball courts and basketball courts while the lowest amount was reported at picnic shelters. soccer, football, and baseball/softball), shelters, playgrounds, and open spaces. tennis, racquetball, volleyball, and basketball), sports fields (i.e. Assessed target areas included courts (i.e. Another study of two US cities found activity levels measured by direct observation varied across target areas, which largely corresponded to recreation use. They found four features were associated with activity levels of park users including playgrounds, courts and paths (all positively associated) and shelters (negatively associated). For example, Shores and West examined 6 features of four parks including availability of courts, green space, paths, playgrounds, sports fields, or shelter/picnic areas and correlated these features with observed activity levels of visitors. Studies in adults that have examined features of parks or playgrounds have generally examined broad aspects such as the availability of a walking trail or a basketball court. However, few of these studies have examined whether specific features of parks or playgrounds such as number of elements on a playground or quality of features are associated with greater utilization or increased activity levels of those using these facilities. ![]() An abundance of research has suggested that park or playground availability is associated with increased activity for children and adults. In an effort to increase physical activity levels, recent research has focused on the built environment.
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