Playground features and physical activity

To quantify which play elements and site features in playgrounds increase use and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for children, as well as teens, adults, and seniors.

This was a direct observational study of users of all ages and demographics in public playground environments.

As part of our National Study of Playgrounds, we used systematic direct observation to study 60 playgrounds across the US in ten major cities: Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Memphis, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle. The System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) was utilized to record individuals by apparent gender, age group, activity level, and race/ethnicity.

Specific playground elements are associated with increased use and MVPA for all ages. These included swings and water play for children and climbers, berms, boulders, the presence of mature trees, and restrooms for all ages. The presence of picnic tables was also supportive of greater use and MVPA.

Playgrounds are a public health resource that can help children, teens, adults, and seniors reach the national PA recommendations if they include elements that promote increased use and MVPA for all ages.