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Operationalizing and Testing the Concept of a Physical Activity Desert
Journal of Physical Activity & Health
|March 31, 2021
Summary
Children in "physical activity deserts" with no parks are less active. This study defines "physical activity desert" and links park access to youth physical activity levels, informing public health strategies.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Childhood obesity is more prevalent in deprived areas.
- Physical activity in youth is crucial for preventing excessive weight gain.
- Environmental factors influencing children's physical activity are under research, with limited use of the term "physical activity desert".
Purpose of the Study:
- To operationalize the definition of a "physical activity desert."
- To test if children in physical activity deserts are less physically active.
- To identify specific environmental factors associated with reduced physical activity in children.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 992 fifth-grade students.
- Objective measurement of physical activity data.
- Operationalization of "physical activity desert" using five built environment elements: no commercial facilities, no parks, low play spaces, no cohesion, and incivilities.
Main Results:
- Only the absence of parks was significantly associated with lower physical activity in children.
- Children residing in areas without parks demonstrated reduced physical activity compared to those with park access.
Conclusions:
- The study provides preliminary definitions for "physical activity desert."
- Lack of park access is a key environmental factor linked to decreased physical activity in children.
- Future research should explore larger, diverse populations to validate these findings on physical activity deserts.
