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Physical activity locations in Georgia: frequency of use by socio-demographic group

Formally Refereed

Abstract

Active outdoor recreation helps to mitigate health consequences associated with sedentary behavior. Enhanced understanding of socio-demographic differences in physical activity (PA) location preferences could therefore contribute to health promotion.This study examined frequency o fuse fo rvarious PA locations in Georgia,a state with historically high levels of physical inactivity and obesity. Data were collected via intercept surveys of visitors to state parks (n=761)and flea markets near the parks(n=234). According to these self-reports,homes and backyards were used most frequently for PA followed by neighborhood settings. State parks and gyms or recreation centers were used less frequently than other recreation settings. Latinos relied more on parks and less on homes/backyards for PA than other groups .African Americans and Asians used gyms or recreation centers more often than other groups.Development of built environments that promote active living should account for PA location choices across diverse communities

Keywords

Parks, Physicalactivity, Race/ethnicity

Citation

Larson, Lincoln R.; Whiting, Jason W.; Green, Gary T.; Bowker, J. M. 2014. Physical activity locations in Georgia: frequency of use by socio-demographic group. Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism 5-6(2014):68-72. 5 p.
Citations
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/48349