How the Environment Affects Physical Activity in Adolescence, 2010

Guidelines for physical activity address the importance of spatial and structural aspects of the environment to increase physical activity. Young people are a target group for action as their physical activity levels are decreasing with age, more in girlsthan in boys. Yet, we lack studies that systematically examine spatial and structural aspects of the environment and how these correlate with physical activity levels in young people. Ecological approaches provide useful frameworks for studies of activit y levels/physical environment. These studies tend to emphasize knowledge about environmental correlates at a superior level. However, we need to get more detailed information about how environments afford physical activity in adolescents and to identify environmental correlates that enhance an active life style. To be able to investigate spatial and structural facets of the environment that influence physical activity, researchers have recognized the limitations of single disciplinary approaches. Consequently a transdisciplinary approach addressing the general construct of interactive relationships between human behaviour and the environments will be applied. Case studies from two different neighbourhoods will be applied as a main approach. Adolescents activity behaviour will be mapped using GPS/ GIS technology related to patterns in the physical landscape of schoolyards and their neighbourhoods. A landscape ecological approach to mapping the physical environment will be used. Based on these studies the youngsters will describe their use and interpretation of the landscapes through interviews and diaries that can explain how environmental factors influence their physical activity behaviour. Identifying important determinants will help planners to secure and develop qualities of outdoor landscapes that afford physical activity in boys as well as in girls.