TY - JOUR PY - 2014// TI - Intensity-specific leisure time physical activity and the built environment among Brazilian adults: a best-fit model JO - Journal of physical activity and health A1 - Salvo, Deborah A1 - Rei, Rodrigo S. A1 - Hino A, A. F. A1 - Hallal, Pedro C. A1 - Pratt, Michael SP - 307 EP - 318 VL - 12 IS - 3 N2 - BACKGROUND: There is little understanding about which sets of environmental features could simultaneously predict intensity-specific leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) among Brazilians. The objectives were to identify the environmental correlates for intensity-specific LTPA, and to build the best-fit linear models to predict intensity-specific LTPA among adults of Curitiba, Brazil.

METHODS: Cross sectional study in Curitiba, Brazil (2009, n=1461). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire and Abbreviated Neighborhood Environment Assessment Scale were used. Ninety-two perceived environment variables were categorized in 10 domains. LTPA was classified as: walking for leisure (LWLK), moderate-intensity leisure-time PA (MLPA), vigorous-intensity leisure-time PA (VLPA) and moderate-to-vigorous intensity leisure-time PA (MVLPA). Best fitting linear predictive models were built.

RESULTS: Forty environmental variables were correlated to at least one LTPA outcome. The variability explained by the four best-fit models ranged from 17% (MLPA) to 46% (MVLPA). All models contained recreation areas and aesthetics variables; none included residential density predictors. At least one neighborhood satisfaction variable was present in each of the intensity-specific models, but not for overall MVLPA.

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the simultaneous effect of sets of perceived environmental features on intensity-specific LTPA among Brazilian adults. The differences found compared to high-income countries suggest caution in generalizing results across settings.

Language: en

LA - en SN - 1543-3080 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1123/jpah.2013-0087 ID - ref1 ER -