Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 25, 2026
07:21
Walk with Me Hybrid Virtual/In-Person Walking for Older Adults with Neurodegenerative Disease
Published on: June 16, 2023
1.7K
Rural Neighborhood Walkability: Implications for Assessment.
Michelle C Kegler1, Iris Alcantara, Regine Haardörfer
1Dept of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory Prevention Research Center, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA.
Journal of Physical Activity & Health
|August 27, 2014
Summary
Rural neighborhood walkability differs from urban settings. Key factors for physical activity in rural areas include leisure-time exercise and smaller, self-defined neighborhood sizes, not traditional walkability domains.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Rural Health
- Urban Planning
Background:
- Physical activity, including walking, is notably lower in the southern U.S., especially in rural regions.
- This disparity highlights the need to understand factors influencing activity in these communities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the concept of rural neighborhood walkability.
- To inform the development of assessment tools for rural walkability.
- To identify potential intervention targets for promoting physical activity in rural communities.
Main Methods:
- Conducted semi-structured interviews with 29 physically active adults in rural Georgia.
- Participants mapped their neighborhoods and discussed walkability domains influencing exercise decisions.
- Employed comparative analyses to identify emergent themes.
Main Results:
- Most participants perceived their self-defined neighborhoods as small (under 0.5 sq miles).
- Sidewalks were not essential; walking destinations included neighbors' homes and natural water bodies.
- Factors like shade, safety, dogs, and aesthetics had mixed impacts on exercise decisions.
Conclusions:
- Rural neighborhood walkability assessments must consider the small, self-defined neighborhood size.
- Walking in rural areas is often for leisure-time physical activity.
- Traditional walkability domains may not be universally relevant in rural contexts.
