Reasons for Urban Trail Use Predict Levels of Trail-Related Physical Activity
Author(s)
Dunton, Genevieve Fridlund
Spruijt-Metz, Donna
Wolch, Jennifer
Chou, Chih-Ping
Jerrett, Michael
Byrne, Jason
Weaver, Susan
Reynolds, Kim D
Griffith University Author(s)
Year published
2009
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Background: Efforts to increase community levels of physical activity through the develop�nt of multiuse urban trails could be strength�ed by information about factors predicting trail use. This study examined whether reasons for trail use predict levels of physical activity on urban trails. Methods: Adults (N = 335) living within a 1-mile buffer zone of urban trails in Chicago, Dallas, and Los Angeles completed a self-report measure assessing demographics, reason for trail use, and physi�l activity on the trail. Accelerometers mea�red total daily moderate-to-vigorous physi�l activity (MVPA). Environmental features ...
View more >Background: Efforts to increase community levels of physical activity through the develop�nt of multiuse urban trails could be strength�ed by information about factors predicting trail use. This study examined whether reasons for trail use predict levels of physical activity on urban trails. Methods: Adults (N = 335) living within a 1-mile buffer zone of urban trails in Chicago, Dallas, and Los Angeles completed a self-report measure assessing demographics, reason for trail use, and physi�l activity on the trail. Accelerometers mea�red total daily moderate-to-vigorous physi�l activity (MVPA). Environmental features of the urban trail were assessed with the Sys�matic Pedestrian and Cyclist Environmental Scan for trails measure. Multivariate regres�on analyses were conducted that accounted for clustering of individuals within trail seg�nts. Results: After controlling for demo�aphic and environmental factors and total daily MVPA, reasons for trail use significantly predicted recreational but not transportation activity. Recreational trail activity was greater for participants who reported exercise and health reasons for trail use as compared with other reasons (ie, social interaction, enjoying nature, walking pets) for recreational trail use. Conclusions: To increase the use of urban trails, it may be useful to promote the health and exercise benefits of recreational trail use.
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View more >Background: Efforts to increase community levels of physical activity through the develop�nt of multiuse urban trails could be strength�ed by information about factors predicting trail use. This study examined whether reasons for trail use predict levels of physical activity on urban trails. Methods: Adults (N = 335) living within a 1-mile buffer zone of urban trails in Chicago, Dallas, and Los Angeles completed a self-report measure assessing demographics, reason for trail use, and physi�l activity on the trail. Accelerometers mea�red total daily moderate-to-vigorous physi�l activity (MVPA). Environmental features of the urban trail were assessed with the Sys�matic Pedestrian and Cyclist Environmental Scan for trails measure. Multivariate regres�on analyses were conducted that accounted for clustering of individuals within trail seg�nts. Results: After controlling for demo�aphic and environmental factors and total daily MVPA, reasons for trail use significantly predicted recreational but not transportation activity. Recreational trail activity was greater for participants who reported exercise and health reasons for trail use as compared with other reasons (ie, social interaction, enjoying nature, walking pets) for recreational trail use. Conclusions: To increase the use of urban trails, it may be useful to promote the health and exercise benefits of recreational trail use.
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Journal Title
Journal of Physical Activity & Health
Volume
6
Issue
4
Publisher URI
Subject
Sports science and exercise
Health promotion
Urban design
Curriculum and pedagogy
Recreation, leisure and tourism geography