Assessing Physical Activity in Public Parks in Brazil Using Systematic Observation.

• Autores: Diana C. Parra, Thomas L. McKenzie, Isabela C. Ribeiro, Adriano Akira Ferreira Hino, Mariah Dreisinger, Kathryn Coniglio, Marcia Munk, Ross C. Brownson, Michael Pratt, Christine M. Hoehner, Eduardo J. Simoes
• Localización: American journal of public health, ISSN 0090-0036, Vol. 100, Nº. 8, 2010, págs. 1420-1426
• Idioma: inglés
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• Dialnet Métricas: 7 Citas
• Resumen

  • Objectives. We assessed park use in Recife, Brazil, and differences in physical activity and occupation rates in public parks with and without the Academia da Cidade Program (ACP), which provides cost-free, supervised physical activity classes. Methods. We used the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) in 128 targeted areas in 10 park sites (5 ACP sites, 5 non-ACP sites) to obtain data on the number of users and their physical activity levels and estimated age. Each area was assessed 4 times a day for 11 days over a 4-week period. Results. A total of 32 974 people were observed during 5589 observation visits to target areas. People using ACP parks were more likely to be seen engaging in moderate-to-vigorous (64% vs 49%) and vigorous (25% vs 10%) physical activity. Relatively more participants in ACP sites than in non-ACP sites were females (45% vs 42% of park users) and older adults (14.7% vs 5.7% of park users). Conclusions. On the basis of systematic observation, ACP appears to be a useful strategy in promoting park use and physical activity among the population in Recife. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]