Rural Neighborhood Walkability: Implications for Assessment

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (s1) ◽  
pp. S40-S45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle C. Kegler ◽  
Iris Alcantara ◽  
Regine Haardörfer ◽  
Alexandra Gemma ◽  
Denise Ballard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Walking Distance ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Neighborhood Walkability ◽  
Bodies Of Water ◽  
Active Adults

Background:Physical activity levels, including walking, are lower in the southern U.S., particularly in rural areas. This study investigated the concept of rural neighborhood walkability to aid in developing tools for assessing walkability and to identify intervention targets in rural communities.Methods:Semi-structured interviews were conducted with physically active adults (n = 29) in rural Georgia. Mean age of participants was 55.9 years; 66% were male, 76% were white, and 24% were African American. Participants drew maps of their neighborhoods and discussed the relevance of typical domains of walkability to their decisions to exercise. Comparative analyses were conducted to identify major themes.Results:The majority felt the concept of neighborhood was applicable and viewed their neighborhood as small geographically (less than 0.5 square miles). Sidewalks were not viewed as essential for neighborhood-based physical activity and typical destinations for walking were largely absent. Destinations within walking distance included neighbors’ homes and bodies of water. Views were mixed on whether shade, safety, dogs, and aesthetics affected decisions to exercise in their neighborhoods.Conclusions:Measures of neighborhood walkability in rural areas should acknowledge the small size of self-defined neighborhoods, that walking in rural areas is likely for leisure time exercise, and that some domains may not be relevant.

The Relationship between Convenience of Destinations and Walking Levels in Older Women

2003 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 74-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wendy C. King ◽  
Jennifer S. Brach ◽  
Steven Belle ◽  
Richard Killingsworth ◽  
Mark Fenton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽  
Neighborhood Environment ◽  
Walking Distance ◽  
Positive Trend ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Neighborhood Walkability ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose. To examine the relationship between physical activity and (1) convenience of destinations, measured by whether destinations (such as a park, trail, businesses, and services) are within walking distance of the home, and (2) participants' perception of the quality of their neighborhood surroundings for walking, captured with a global neighborhood “walkability” rating. Design. Cross-sectional analysis of data obtained in 1999. Setting. Community in southwest Pennsylvania. Subjects. Older Caucasian women (n = 149, mean age = 74.2 years). Response rate = 79%. Measures. Walking levels, leisure-time physical activity, and features of the neighborhood environment were measured with interviewer-administered questionnaires. Physical activity was also measured objectively with a pedometer. Results. Living within walking distance (defined as within a 20-minute walk of home) of a park; biking or walking trail; or department, discount, or hardware store was related to higher pedometer readings ( p < .01). In addition, there was a positive trend between the sum of destinations within walking distance of home and activity levels measured by pedometer and questionnaire ( p < .01). There was also a positive trend between participants' neighborhood “walkability” rating and activity levels measured by pedometer and questionnaire ( p < .01). Conclusion. These findings suggest that the ability to make utilitarian walking trips from home and the perception of having favorable neighborhood surroundings for walking are associated with increased physical activity levels in older women.

scholarly journals The Physical Activity–Related Barriers and Facilitators Perceived by Men Living in Rural Communities

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1130-1132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam G. Gavarkovs ◽  
Shauna M. Burke ◽  
Robert J. Petrella
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Protective Factor ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Small Communities ◽  
Response Options

Men, especially those living in rural areas, experience chronic disease at higher rates than the general population. Physical activity is a well-established protective factor against many chronic diseases; however, only a small fraction of men are meeting national guidelines for physical activity. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceived physical activity–related barriers and facilitators experienced by men living in rural areas in Canada. Participants completed a paper-and-pencil or online survey and asked to select personally relevant physical activity-related barriers and facilitators from a list of 9 and 10 choices, respectively. A total of 149 men completed the survey (50.3% between the ages of 18 and 55 years; 43.0% older than 55 years). Participants were predominantly from rural areas and smaller communities. Overall, the response options “I’m too tired,” “I don’t have enough time,” and “I think I get enough exercise as work” were the three most frequently cited barriers to regular physical activity. The response options “Personal motivation to be healthy,” “I enjoy it,” and “Support from family and/or friends” were the three most often cited facilitators to physical activity. Results are similar to those shown in other populations. Results can be used to inform the development of policies and programs that aim to increase the physical activity levels of men living in rural areas and small communities.

scholarly journals Older adults’ construal of sedentary behaviour: Implications for reducing sedentary behaviour in older adult populations

2020 ◽  
pp. 135910532090987 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura J McGowan ◽  
Rachael Powell ◽  
David P French
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Sedentary Behaviour ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
North West ◽  
Health Related

Older adults are the most sedentary age group, with sedentary behaviour having negative health-related consequences. There is currently limited understanding of how older adults view sedentary behaviour. This study investigated older adults’ understanding of the concept of sedentary behaviour. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 community-dwelling older adults in urban North-West England, selected to be diverse in socio-economic background and activity levels. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. An inductive thematic analysis was conducted. Participants often construed sedentary behaviour as synonymous with a lack of physical activity, and many perceived reducing sedentary behaviour and increasing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity to be the same thing. Participants perceived the term ‘sedentary’ to have negative connotations and were often judgemental of people who engaged in high levels of sedentary behaviour. Most participants considered reducing sedentary behaviour to be of value, though more active individuals were unconvinced that reducing sedentary behaviour has value beyond the benefits of being physically active. Interventions may wish to provide education to address the misconception that increasing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is necessary in order to reduce sedentary behaviour. Educating older adults on the independent health consequences of sedentary behaviour may also prove beneficial.

scholarly journals Barriers and facilitators to physical activity in second-generation British Indian women: A qualitative study

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (11) ◽  
pp. e0259248
Author(s):  
Prachi Bhatnagar ◽  
Charlie Foster ◽  
Alison Shaw
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
First Generation ◽  
Second Generation ◽  
South Asians ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Indian Women ◽  
Barriers To Physical Activity

Aim To understand the barriers to and motivations for physical activity among second-generation British Indian women. Subject Approximately 50% of British South Asians are UK-born, and this group is increasing as the second-generation also have children. Previous research into the barriers to and facilitators for physical activity has focused on migrant, first-generation populations. Qualitative research is needed to understand a) how we might further reduce the gap in physical activity levels between White British women and British Indian women and b) the different approaches that may be required for different generations. Methods Applying a socioecological model to take into account the wider social and physical contexts, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 28 Indian women living in Manchester, England. Interviews with first-generation British Indian women were also included to provide a comparator. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, thematically coded and analysed using a grounded theory approach. Results Ways of socialising, concerns over appearance while being physically active, safety concerns and prioritising educational attainment in adolescence were all described as barriers to physical activity in second-generation British Indian women. Facilitators for physical activity included acknowledging the importance of taking time out for oneself; religious beliefs and religious groups promoting activity; being prompted by family illness; positive messages in both the media and while at school, and having local facilities to use. Conclusions Barriers to physical activity in second-generation Indian women were very similar to those already reported for White British women. Public health measures aimed at women in the general population may also positively affect second-generation Indian women. First-generation Indian women, second-generation children and Muslim women may respond better to culturally tailored interventions.

scholarly journals Profiles of Loneliness and Social Isolation in Physically Active and Inactive Older Adults in Rural England

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 3971
Author(s):  
Jolanthe de Koning ◽  
Suzanne H. Richards ◽  
Grace E. R. Wood ◽  
Afroditi Stathi
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Physical Environment ◽  
Vigorous Physical Activity ◽  
Social Contact ◽  
Physical Activity Behaviour ◽  
Rural Setting ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Physically Active

Objective: Loneliness and social isolation are associated with higher risk of morbidity and mortality and physical inactivity in older age. This study explored the socioecological context in which both physically active and inactive older adults experience loneliness and/or social isolation in a UK rural setting. Design: A mixed-methods design employed semi structured interviews and accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Interviews explored the personal, social and environmental factors influencing engagement with physical activities, guided by an adapted-socioecological model of physical activity behaviour. Findings: Twenty-four older adults (MeanAge = 73 (5.8 SD); 12 women) were interviewed. Transcripts were thematically analysed and seven profiles of physical activity, social isolation and loneliness were identified. The high-MVPA group had established PA habits, reported several sources of social contact and evaluated their physical environment as activity friendly. The low MVPA group had diverse experiences of past engagement in social activities. Similar to the high MVPA, they reported a range of sources of social contact but they did not perceive the physical environment as activity friendly. Conclusions: Loneliness and/or social isolation was reported by both physically active and inactive older adults. There is wide diversity and complexity in types and intensity of PA, loneliness and social isolation profiles and personal, social and environmental contexts.

scholarly journals Understanding Experiences of Fibromyalgia Patients Involved in the Fimouv Study During COVID-19 Lockdown

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Colas ◽  
Audrey Jumel ◽  
Marie-Pierre Vericel ◽  
Nathalie Barth ◽  
Jessica Manzanares ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Trial Registration ◽  
Therapeutic Education ◽  
Social Constraints ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Clinical Trial Registration ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Activity Program ◽  
Regular Practice

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic implied a period of lockdown for the general population, increasing the risk to develop some physical or mental disorders. In fibromyalgia patients, these disorders are part of the large clinical picture of the syndrome. Fibromyalgia management is especially based on a regular practice of physical activity. Lockdown imposed a break in rhythms, requiring a restructuring of scheduling. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the experiences of fibromyalgia patients during COVID-19 lockdown using a qualitative analysis.Method: 19 patients (52 ± 9 years old) who completed a 3-month therapeutic education and/or supervised physical activity program were invited to participate (Fimouv study, Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04107948). A sociologist collected data by means of semi-structured interviews and analyzed them using thematic content analysis.Results: Lockdown exacerbated the main symptoms of fibromyalgia, but adjusting the rhythms of life to fluctuations of these symptoms allowed a better quality of life. Patients felt the lack of physical activity and 68% found alternatives to remain physically active. The reduction of social constraints allowed them to better contend with their pathology. Fibromyalgia stopped being a main priority.Conclusion: Lockdown was positively experienced by fibromyalgia patients. They linked the absence of physical activity with increased pain and fatigue. Nevertheless, reducing social constraints could be a key for fibromyalgia management, where symptoms seemed to take less space in everyday life.Clinical Trial Registration:www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT04107948.

scholarly journals Trends in Self-Reported Sitting Time by Physical Activity Levels Among US Adults, NHANES 2007/2008–2017/2018

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (S1) ◽  
pp. S74-S83
Author(s):  
Emily N. Ussery ◽  
Geoffrey P. Whitfield ◽  
Janet E. Fulton ◽  
Deborah A. Galuska ◽  
Charles E. Matthews ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Sedentary Behavior ◽  
Physical Inactivity ◽  
Premature Mortality ◽  
Linear Increase ◽  
Sitting Time ◽  
Point Estimate ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Physical Activity Levels ◽  
Active Adults

Background: High levels of sedentary behavior and physical inactivity increase the risk of premature mortality and several chronic diseases. Monitoring national trends and correlates of sedentary behavior and physical inactivity can help identify patterns of risk in the population over time. Methods: The authors used self-reported data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (2007/2008–2017/2018) to estimate trends in US adults’ mean daily sitting time, overall, and stratified by levels of leisure-time and multidomain physical activity, and in the joint prevalence of high sitting time (>8 h/d) and physical inactivity. Trends were tested using orthogonal polynomial contrasts. Results: Overall, mean daily sitting time increased by 19 minutes from 2007/2008 (332 min/d) to 2017/2018 (351 min/d) (Plinear < .05; Pquadratic < .05). The highest point estimate occurred in 2013/2014 (426 min/d), with a decreasing trend observed after this point (Plinear < .05). Similar trends were observed across physical activity levels and domains, with one exception: an overall linear increase was not observed among sufficiently active adults. The mean daily sitting time was lowest among highly active adults compared with less active adults when using the multidomain physical activity measure. Conclusions: Sitting time among adults increased over the study period but decreased in recent years.

Influence of age and physical activity on central hemodynamics and lung function in active adults

1978 ◽  
Vol 45 (5) ◽  
pp. 709-717 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. L. Kanstrup ◽  
B. Ekblom
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Maximal Exercise ◽  
Individual State ◽  
Vo2 Max ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Circulatory Response ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Active Adults ◽  
Mixed Venous ◽  
Peak Value

Five female and seven male physically active adults were studied twice within a 13-yr interval. The individual state of physical activity was mainly unchanged. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2 max) was reduced in all subjects except one female, in whom it remained unchanged. During maximal exercise, cardiac output (Q) in males was unchanged. In females, Q was significantly increased due to increased stroke volume (SV). In both sexes, the reduced VO2 max was explained by a smaller arteriovenous O2 difference (mixed venous O2 content (C-VO2) significantly increased). For a given submaximal VO2, Q was increased in both sexes and heart rate was unchanged. Thus, SV was increased and arteriovenous O2 difference was reduced due to increased C-VO2. Another four males were studied several times in various states of physical fitness during an 11-yr period. The reduced VO2 max from peak value was due to a reduced Qmax (SV smaller), whereas the arteriovenous O2 difference and C-VO2 were unchanged. Our results indicate that the observed changes in circulatory response to submaximal and maximal exercise in physically active adults may to a large extent be due to an effect of “detraining.”

scholarly journals Does leisure-time physical activity in early adulthood predict later physical activity? Pro-Saude Study

2009 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle Nogueira ◽  
Eduardo Faerstein ◽  
Inês Rugani ◽  
Dora Chor ◽  
Claudia S. Lopes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Leisure Time ◽  
Leisure Time Physical Activity ◽  
Multinomial Logistic Regression ◽  
Early Adulthood ◽  
Odds Ratios ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Reference Category ◽  
Healthy Behaviors ◽  
Active Adults

INTRODUCTION: Leisure-Time Physical Activity (LTPA) is a health behavior that is considered relatively stable over the course of life; this life-long habit seems to be shaped during youth and early adulthood. LTPA is one of the few healthy behaviors more prevalent among men than among women. METHODS:Data from 3,199 participants of the Pro-Saude Study were analyzed - a cohort of employees of a university in Rio de Janeiro, collected with a self-reported multidimensional questionnaire. The association between LTPA in early adulthood and later was investigated using multinomial logistic regression, with estimated odds ratios (OR), considering three outcome categories: inactive, insufficiently active, and active. Past LTPA was grouped into three categories: never/rarely (reference category), sometimes and frequently/always. Estimates were adjusted for: age; participants' schooling, their father's and mother's schooling, and color/race. RESULTS:Analysis shows men who engaged in LTPA sometimes and almost always/always in early adulthood had an OR= 1.42 (95% CI: 0.70-2.89) and OR= 3.33 (95% CI: 1.82-6.10), respectively, of being physically active in later adulthood than those who did not engage in LTPA. Among women, the corresponding odds ratios were lower: OR = 1.19 (95% CI: 0.79-1.79) and OR =1.42 (95% CI: 1.00-2.04). CONCLUSION:LTPA during early adulthood is associated with physical activity later in adulthood, and this association is stronger in men than in women. Public policies that encourage LTPA among youth, with specific efforts directed at women, could increase the proportion of physically active adults.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity practice of people with disabilities

2021 ◽  
pp. 240-251
Author(s):  
Márcia Greguol ◽  
Cristiana Conti ◽  
Bruno Marson Malagodi ◽  
Bruna Barboza Seron ◽  
Elaine Cappellazzo Souto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
World Population ◽  
Activity Levels ◽  
Physically Active ◽  
Healthy Habits ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
The Impact

The global pandemic caused by the COVID-19 has profoundly changed the daily life of most of the world population. People with disabilities have been particularly affected by these changes, which often have accentuated their isolation and marginalization also due to greater difficulties in accessing healthcare services. People with disabilities have also been impacted in relation to their ability to participate in physical activity with even more adverse consequences for their quality of life and health. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity practice of people with disabilities and to understand the changes that caregivers have perceived for the participation in physical activity of this specific population. It emerged that, regardless of the type of disability, people with this condition experienced drastic reductions in their physical activity levels during the pandemic and in most cases did not have access to any type of remote guidance. Furthermore, a higher prevalence of sedentary behavior and negative changes in eating habits have been reported by the caregivers, highlighting the need for specific strategies and initiatives for people with disabilities to maintain healthy habits and a physically active lifestyle.

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