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. 2015 Jan;9(1):423.
doi: 10.1007/s12170-014-0423-4.

Measuring Physical Activity in Outdoor Community Recreational Environments: Implications for Research, Policy, and Practice

Semra A Aytur  1 , Sydney A Jones  2 , Michelle Stransky  3 , Kelly R Evenson  2
Affiliations

Measuring Physical Activity in Outdoor Community Recreational Environments: Implications for Research, Policy, and Practice

Semra A Aytur et al. Curr Cardiovasc Risk Rep. 2015 Jan.

Abstract

Chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) are major contributors to escalating health care costs in the USA. Physical activity is an important protective factor against CVD, and the National Prevention Strategy recognizes active living (defined as a way of life that integrates physical activity into everyday routines) as a priority for improving the nation's health. This paper focuses on developing more inclusive measures of physical activity in outdoor community recreational environments, specifically parks and trails, to enhance their usability for at-risk populations such as persons with mobility limitations. We develop an integrated conceptual framework for measuring physical activity in outdoor community recreational environments, describe examples of evidence-based tools for measuring physical activity in these settings, and discuss strategies to improve measurement of physical activity for persons with mobility limitations. Addressing these measurement issues is critically important to making progress towards national CVD goals pertaining to active community environments.

Keywords: Active living; Disability; GIS; Measurement; Mobility limitations; Parks; Physical activity; Trails.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest Semra Aytur, Sydney Jones, and Michelle Stransky have no conflicts of interest. Semra Aytur has received research grants from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) Active Living Research program. Kelly Evenson has received research grants from NIH, RWJF, AHA and CDC.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Conceptual framework illustrating convergent domains for integrated, inclusive measures of physical activity in outdoor community recreational environments
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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