Which neighborhood features are linked to children being more physically active?

Details

Many young people are physically inactive. Attention to links between the physical or built environment and adults’ physical activity prompted this review: investigating similar relationships in children could help guide appropriate intervention strategies.

The review included 33 quantitative studies that met selection criteria and assessed associations between the physical environment—either perceived or objectively measured—and physical activity among children ages 3–18 years. Findings were organized and discussed under three dimensions of the physical environment: recreational infrastructure, transport infrastructure and local conditions.

Across the studies, children’s participation in physical activity was positively associated with publicly provided recreational infrastructure, including access to recreational facilities and schools. Positive associations were also found for transport infrastructure: the presence of sidewalks and controlled intersections, and access to destinations and public transportation.

Other transport features—the number of roads to cross and traffic density or speed—were negatively associated with children’s participation in physical activity. Local conditions, including crime and area deprivation, were also negatively associated with participation.

The findings highlight links between the physical environment and children’s physical activity. To appropriately inform policy efforts, the authors call for additional research using a transdisciplinary approach and assessing moderating and mediating variables.