People or places: what should be the target?

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Environmental Science
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Growing interest in the built environment's impact on physical activity.
• Ecological models highlight multiple influence levels: individual, social-environmental, and physical environmental.
• Limited quantification of correlates' relative contributions to behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

• To argue for comprehensive interventions targeting both people and places to increase physical activity.
• To discuss the joint influence of place and people on physical activity.
• To inform policy-makers and practitioners on effective intervention strategies.

Main Methods:

• Drawing on theory, existing evidence, and case studies.
• Analyzing data on the influence of supportive environments and positive cognitions on walking behavior.
• Examining multi-sectoral approaches and long-term strategies.

Main Results:

• The likelihood of walking at recommended levels is nearly eight times higher (OR 7.84) for individuals with both supportive environments and positive cognitions.
• Few studies have quantified the relative contribution of different correlates on physical activity behavior.
• Comprehensive interventions targeting both people and places are necessary.

Conclusions:

• Increasing physical activity requires multi-sector partnerships and comprehensive, long-term, multi-pronged interventions.
• Strategies should foster cultural shifts favoring physical activity and create supportive built environments.
• Sectors outside of health are critical for improving policies and infrastructure.