Association of Neighborhood Design and Recreation Environment Variables with Physical Activity and Body Mass Index in Adolescents

Abstract

Purpose.

To examine associations of neighborhood walkability and recreation environment variables with physical activity in adolescents.

Methods.

The cross-sectional study was conducted with 98 white or Mexican-American adolescents (mean age = 16.2 years). Physical activity was measured with 7 days of accelerometer monitoring. Height and weight were measured to compute body mass index (BMI). Environmental measures were created using geographic information systems. A neighborhood walkability index was based on land use mix, retail density, street connectivity, and residential density. Proximity to public and private recreation facilities was assessed.

Results.

In a linear regression, the walkability index within 0.5 mile of homes was related to minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity, explaining approximately 4% of variance. Recreation variables were not related to physical activity, and BMI was not explained by environmental variables.

Conclusion.

Neighborhood walkability was related to adolescents' physical activity, similar to findings for adults.