Associations between neighbourhood walkability and health-related fitness in adults

Oral Presentation C12.4

Authors

  • Gavin R. McCormack University of Calgary
  • Levi Frehlich University of Calgary
  • Anita Blackstaffe University of Calgary
  • Tanvir C. Turin University of Calgary
  • Patricia K. Doyle-Baker University of Calgary

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.722

Keywords:

Fitness, Walkability, Parks, Environment

Abstract

Background: Improving physical fitness lowers the risk of chronic disease. Evidence suggests the neighbourhood built environment is important for physical activity however, few studies have investigated the contribution of the built environment to fitness levels. Purpose: To estimate associations between objectively-determined and self-reported neighbourhood walkability and overall and specific components of perceived health-related fitness (cardiorespiratory, muscular strength, and flexibility). Methods: We recruited a random sample of adults (n=592) from two adjacent southeast neighbourhoods and nine adjacent southwest neighbourhoods in Calgary (Canada). Participants completed an online questionnaire that captured perceived cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscular strength (MSt), flexibility, moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), strength training, and sociodemographic characteristics. Participant’s perceptions of neighbourhood walkability (Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale; PANES) and physical activity supportiveness of neighbourhood parks (Park Perceptions Index; PPI) were also captured. Walk Score® was linked to participant’s household addresses. Covariate-adjusted linear regression estimated the associations between Walk Score®, PANES, and PPI and CRF, MSt, flexibility, and overall fitness. Results: The average age of participants was 46.6±14.8 years. Participants, on average, participated in at least 30-minutes of MVPA on 3.4±2.1 days/week and undertook strength training 2.0±1.8 days/week. Walk Score® was not associated with any fitness variables. The PANES was positively associated (p<.05) with CRF, MSt, flexibility and overall fitness. The PPI was positively associated (p<.05) with all fitness variables except MSt. Conclusions: Our findings suggest the neighborhood built environment may be important for supporting health-related fitness levels. Funding: Canadian Institutes of Health Research Foundations Scheme Grant (FDN-154331). 

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

McCormack, G., Frehlich, L., Blackstaffe, A., Turin, T., & Doyle-Baker, P. (2021). Associations between neighbourhood walkability and health-related fitness in adults: Oral Presentation C12.4. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.722