Does the Built Environment Influence Physical Activity? Examining the Evidence -- Special Report 282 (2005) / Chapter Skim
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1 Introduction
1 Introduction
Pages 17-32
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From page 17... ...
The role of the built environment -- in particular, decentralized land use patterns and reliance on the automobile- has come under scrutiny as one important potential contributor to reduced physical activity levels. 1 The experts recommend a minimum of 30 minutes a day of moderate physical activity (e.g., brisk walking)
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In particular, this report · Reviews the broad trends affecting the relationships among phys ical activity, health, transportation, and land use; · Summarizes what is known about these relationships and what they suggest for future policy decisions at all levels of govern ment; and · Identifies priorities for future research. The built environment is broadly defined to include land use pat terns, the transportation system, and design features that together generate needs and provide opportunities for travel and physical activity.2 It refers to physical environments that have been modi fied by humans and comprises public spaces, parks, and trails, as well as physical structures (e.g., homes, schools, workplaces)
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PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND HEALTH: OVERVIEW The primary reason for recent interest in the physical activity levels of the U.S. population, both adults and youths, stems from the clear connection between physical activity and health.
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Research has shown that people who are physically active have, on average, lower annual direct medical costs and fewer hospital stays and physician visits, use fewer medications, miss fewer days of work, and are more productive at work than physically inactive people (Pratt et al.
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. In general, however, rela tively small changes in physical activity levels can play an important role in weight management and the reversal of obesity trends.
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The focus is on understanding what effects the built environment may have in fostering sedentary behavior, the strength and magnitude of these effects, and oppor tunities and incentives to encourage greater physical activity. STUDY APPROACH AND KEY ISSUES The effects of the built environment on physical activity levels op erate through a complex set of relationships.
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Figure 1-2 indicates the primary areas of investigation in this study, namely, the characteristics of the built environment and the various types of physical activity it may influence. Notably, the health box falls outside of this area -- not because health is unim portant; indeed, it is the primary reason for the interest in physi cal activity -- but because the link between physical activity and health is well established.
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residences, local retail and other commercial services, and schools. Several characteristics of neighborhoods may affect an individual's propensity to be physically active, such as street layout (grid or cul de-sac)
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The focus of this study is primarily on the neighborhood and regional levels; very little is known about physical activity at the building or site level. Characteristics of the built environment may provide opportu nities for the individual to engage in a variety of physical activities.
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. Second, the relationship between the built environment and physical activity operates through many mediating variables.
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In Chapter 3, historical data that may help explain the apparent long-term decline in total physical activity levels are examined in the areas of techno logical innovations in the workplace, at home, and in travel; decen tralization of population and employment; and time use. Chapter 4 explores the contextual factors that affect physical activity levels- from the individual level; to the social context; to the institutional, regulatory, and political forces that have shaped the built envi ronment in place today -- and draws implications for intervention.
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1995. Changes in Energy Expenditure Result ing from Altered Body Weight.
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2003. How Much Physical Activity Is Enough to Prevent Unhealthy Weight Gain?
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64436_TRB_037_050 4/25/05 10:16 AM Page 30
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More than half of adults report not meeting recom mended levels of physical activity, and more than one-quarter char acterize themselves as being completely inactive during their leisure time. Nearly one-third of high-school-age teenagers report not meet ing recommended levels of physical activity, and 10 percent classify themselves as inactive.
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64436_TRB_051_076 4/25/05 10:17 AM Page 32
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Key Terms
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