Neighbourhood environment facilitators and barriers to outdoor activity during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada: a qualitative study

Abstract

ABSTRACT During the COVID-19 pandemic, public health authorities have recommended outdoor activity while physical distancing. Quantitative evidence demonstrates reductions in physical activity have occurred during the early stages of the pandemic, yet other evidence on the use of outdoor recreational spaces, such as parks is mixed. Our qualitative study explored the built environment’s role in supporting outdoor activity during the early stages of the pandemic in Canada. Between June and October 2020, we conducted semi-structured interviews to capture the perspectives and perceived experiences from 12 adults. Three themes emerged from a thematic analysis: Adaptations in use of outdoor space for physical activity; Importance of connectivity and destinations, and; Navigating interactions with people outdoors. Parks and pathways supported the initiation and maintenance of outdoor walking, running, and cycling during the pandemic. Crowding and lack of physical distancing inhibited the use of some public spaces due to safety concerns. The nature of social interactions with strangers while undertaking physical activity in public spaces changed during the pandemic, including avoidance and citizen enforcement of the public health measures. Our findings highlight the importance of built environments within neighbourhoods and cities for maintaining population health via supporting outdoor physical activity during infectious disease pandemics.