scholarly journals Activity spaces in studies of the environment and physical activity: A review and synthesis of implications for causality

2019 ◽  
Vol 58 ◽  
pp. 102113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsey Smith ◽  
Louise Foley ◽  
Jenna Panter
2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew C. Pickett ◽  
George B. Cunningham

Given societal body ideals praising thinness and muscularity, physical activity spaces can bedifficult to navigate for those in larger bodies. Thus, stigma serves as a strong barrier to participation. Inthis study, the authors explore ways that body stigma affects larger individuals’ participation in physicalactivity. This authors employed qualitative, semi-structured interviews (N = 9), regarding personal experi-ences of body weight stigma. Results suggest that body stigma is common and that various discriminatoryexperiences led participants away from participating. Given the prevalence of prejudicial behaviors, whichexclude larger individuals, the authors argue for more inclusive physical activity spaces and practices.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Paul Bernard Rukavina

The deleterious effects of weight bias in physical activity spaces for children, adolescents, and adults are well documented. Different types of weight bias occur, and they interact at multiple levels within a person’s ecology, from the messaging of often unattainable sociocultural thin/muscular ideals and physical inequities (e.g., equipment not appropriate for body shapes and sizes) to interpersonal and public discriminatory comments. However, the most damaging is the internalization and application of negative weight-bias stereotypes by those with overweight and obesity to themselves. An imperative for social justice is now; there is great need to advocate for, provide support for, and design inclusive physical activity spaces to reduce weight bias so that all individuals feel welcome, accept their bodies, and are empowered to live a healthy, active lifestyle. To make this a reality, an interdisciplinary and preventive approach is needed to understand bias and how to minimize it in our spaces.


2017 ◽  
Vol 45 ◽  
pp. 181-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katelyn M. Holliday ◽  
Annie Green Howard ◽  
Michael Emch ◽  
Daniel A. Rodríguez ◽  
Kelly R. Evenson

Author(s):  
Selina Stasi ◽  
John Otto Spengler ◽  
Jay Maddock ◽  
Lisako Mckyer ◽  
Heather Clark

Abstract Sharing of physical activity spaces is supported by the American Heart Association and other leading public health authorities as one strategy to increase access to physical activity. The purpose of this study was to identify facilities within Pasadena, TX, that currently provide opportunities for active recreation, sport, and other forms of physical activity and analyze community access to these spaces from a geospatial perspective. Geospatial analysis was used to identify physical activity spaces and issues relevant to access. Using a community-based approach, the research team worked with partners to create a list of individuals responsible for each of the physical activity spaces. These “facility administrators” were contacted by email and then phone for a total of four attempts. Respondents were asked to complete an online shared use survey. An asset map was created from both local geospatial data (Pasadena, TX) and data from a facility access and shared use survey. Of the 39 facility administrators, 23 responded to the survey and consisted of the park director, school principals, lead pastors and clergy, and business owners. A total of 53 facilities were identified within the priority zip codes, including 30 parks, 25 schools, 9 faith-based organizations, and 4 others (a business, a nonprofit health care center, and two community-based organizations). Overall, there were 131 total amenities, and playgrounds, outdoor basketball courts, and ball fields were the most common types. Some facilities had multiple amenities at their location, including many of the parks and schools. Additionally, respondents noted other types of amenities where activity took place such as parking lots, grassy areas, classrooms, and other indoor areas. Many of the amenities, 102, were open to the general public and 28 were found to be in good condition. Findings suggest that there is inadequate access to physical activity spaces in this underserved community. There is a need for additional play spaces in Northern Pasadena and for future research bridging community health and geospatial mapping.


2021 ◽  
pp. 073998632110448
Author(s):  
Tyler Prochnow ◽  
Andrew C. Pickett ◽  
Luis Gómez ◽  
Joseph Sharkey ◽  
M. Renée Umstattd Meyer

This study examined differences in mother-reported physical activity (PA) and screen time (ST) based on child sex and mothers’ perceptions of PA resources for Mexican-heritage (MH) children residing in Texas-Mexico border colonias. Mothers with children 8 to 10 years old ( n = 335) from colonias in south Texas reported if there were places for their child to be physically active and their child’s hours of PA and ST per day during the week and weekend. Two-way ANCOVAs examined differences in child PA and ST based on presence of PA places and child sex. Only 46.0% of mothers ( n = 159) reported places for their child to be physically active; with no significant difference based on sex. Mothers’ perceptions of a place to play was differentially beneficial for girls’ weekday PA and ST. Findings suggest a need to increase perceived and/or actual access to PA places in colonias communities, particularly for girls.


2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew C. Pickett

Objective: Individuals in larger bodies remain an underserved population in sport and physical activity. Larger-bodied individuals often avoid physical activity spaces altogether due to their perceived exclusivity. Drawing on signaling theory, the current study argues that inclusive marketing messages in advertisements, including health-focused language and the presence of larger-bodied models may encourage participation for these individuals. Through two experiments (N = 266), manipulating the language and images used in fitness club and sport advertisements, the current study explores the effects of inclusive messages on perceptions of fit and join intentions. Results indicate that, regardless of messaging, those in larger bodies are more likely to engage a fitness center than soccer league. Advertisements featuring health-focused language were related to higher fit perceptions. Finally, advertisements featuring larger models were related to higher intentions to join. It is suggested that organizations seeking to engage this population increase their use of diversity-related signals in marketing.


Disabilities ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-55
Author(s):  
Alanna Koopmans ◽  
Chelsea Pelletier

During the COVID-19 pandemic, government and health officials introduced measures such as social distancing and facility closures that amplified barriers to physical activity. Certain groups, including people with multiple sclerosis (MS), have been underserved during the pandemic. In this qualitative study we aimed to: (1) explore the physical activity experiences of people with MS during the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) identify the facilitators and barriers to physical activity during COVID-19 for people with MS; and (3) make recommendations for inclusive physical activity policy and programming. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 11 adults (9 women) with MS during January and February 2021. Following an inductive thematic analysis, three themes were developed: (1) changing opportunities and adapting to new opportunities; (2) social isolation and physical activity; and (3) adapting physical activity to stay safe from COVID-19. Common facilitators identified included having knowledge and resources to adapt activities, social connections, and access to outdoor recreation opportunities. Identified barriers included fear and anxiety related to the spread of the virus, a loss of in-person activity options, and the closure of physical activity spaces. Online and at-home opportunities for physical activity were a valued and accessible way to address barriers to physical activity for people with MS, and should be maintained post-pandemic while considering flexibility to accommodate variable support needs.


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