Physical Environment Correlates of Physical Activity in Developing Countries: A Review

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Urban Planning
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Noncommunicable diseases and obesity are increasing in developing countries, shifting from being problems of developed nations.
• Existing research on physical environment factors supporting physical activity primarily focuses on developed countries.
• There's a critical gap in understanding these environmental influences in developing country contexts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify physical environment factors associated with physical activity in developing countries.
• To build upon previous foundational reviews by examining a broader range of studies.
• To provide evidence for targeted interventions in diverse global settings.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of 159 empirical studies conducted in 138 developing countries.
• Analysis modeled on the Saelens and Handy (2008) review framework.
• Examination of associations between various physical environment features and physical activity levels.

Main Results:

• Traffic safety is linked to physical activity for transportation.
• Rural residence, distance to amenities, and composite environmental features correlate with general physical activity.
• Rural residence specifically is associated with physical activity undertaken for work.

Conclusions:

• Further research is essential to understand the physical environment-physical activity relationship in developing countries.
• Specific urban environmental features promoting higher physical activity levels require identification.
• Evidence-based urban planning can help mitigate rising noncommunicable disease rates.