Citation

McCormack GR, Giles-Corti B, Bulsara M. J. Phys. Act. Health 2007; 4(1): 39-53.

Affiliation

School of Populaton Health, The Universityof Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Human Kinetics Publishers)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

17489006

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study examines the relationships between the availability and use of recreational destinations and physical activity. METHODS: Analysis included n = 1355 respondents. Associations between the density of free and pay-for-use recreational destinations, demographics, and use of free and pay-for-use recreational destinations within the neighborhood were examined, followed by associations with sufficient moderate and vigorous physical activity using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS: The likelihood of using a local pay recreational destination increased for each additional local pay facility (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.32 to 1.73) and was lower for those with motor vehicle access (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.99). The likelihood of using a local free destination increased for each additional local free facility (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.20) and was higher among women (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.44). Destination use was associated with both moderate and vigorous-intensity physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing the density of neighborhood recreational destinations is associated with the use of facilities and participation in sufficient levels of physical activity.

Language: en