Assessing Perceived Physical Environmental Variables that May Influence Physical Activity

TLDR

Further research is needed to identify other environmental characteristics that may influence physical activity. The present study evaluated a measure of perceived physical environments that may influence physical activity. Forty‑three self‑report items assessed environmental variables at homes, neighborhoods, and common routes, evaluating facilitators such as equipment, programs, attractive surroundings, and barriers like high crime. In 110 college students, the home equipment, neighborhood, and convenient facilities scales had test‑retest reliabilities of .89, .68, and .80, respectively; home equipment correlated with self‑reported physical activity and remained the sole significant predictor of strength exercise after controlling for neighborhood socioeconomic status.

Abstract

Abstract The present study evaluated a measure of perceived physical environments that may influence physical activity. Forty-three self-report items were used to assess environmental variables at homes, in neighborhoods, or on frequently traveled routes. The presence of facilitators of (e.g., equipment, programs, attractive surroundings) and barriers to (e.g., high crime) physical activity was assessed. In 110 college students, test-retest reliabilities were .89 for the home equipment scale, .68 for the neighborhood scale, and .80 for the convenient facilities scale. Home equipment and convenient facilities scales were correlated with self-reported physical activity. In multiple regression analyses, the only significant association, after adjusting for neighborhood socioeconomic status, was home equipment with strength exercise. Further research is needed to identify other environmental characteristics that may influence physical activity.