Citation

Salvo D, Rei RS, Hino A AF, Hallal PC, Pratt M. J. Phys. Act. Health 2014; 12(3): 307-318.

Affiliation

Nutrition and Health Sciences Program, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Human Kinetics Publishers)

DOI

10.1123/jpah.2013-0087

PMID

24770378

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There is little understanding about which sets of environmental features could simultaneously predict intensity-specific leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) among Brazilians. The objectives were to identify the environmental correlates for intensity-specific LTPA, and to build the best-fit linear models to predict intensity-specific LTPA among adults of Curitiba, Brazil.

METHODS: Cross sectional study in Curitiba, Brazil (2009, n=1461). The International Physical Activity Questionnaire and Abbreviated Neighborhood Environment Assessment Scale were used. Ninety-two perceived environment variables were categorized in 10 domains. LTPA was classified as: walking for leisure (LWLK), moderate-intensity leisure-time PA (MLPA), vigorous-intensity leisure-time PA (VLPA) and moderate-to-vigorous intensity leisure-time PA (MVLPA). Best fitting linear predictive models were built.

RESULTS: Forty environmental variables were correlated to at least one LTPA outcome. The variability explained by the four best-fit models ranged from 17% (MLPA) to 46% (MVLPA). All models contained recreation areas and aesthetics variables; none included residential density predictors. At least one neighborhood satisfaction variable was present in each of the intensity-specific models, but not for overall MVLPA.

CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the simultaneous effect of sets of perceived environmental features on intensity-specific LTPA among Brazilian adults. The differences found compared to high-income countries suggest caution in generalizing results across settings.

Language: en