Physical Fitness And Neighborhood Design - Walkability, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Muscular Strength, And Flexibility In Adults

Abstract

Regular physical activity can improve physical fitness levels and promote health. Consistent evidence suggests an association between the neighborhood built environment and physical activity exists, yet few studies have investigated the contribution of the neighborhood built environment to fitness levels in adults. PURPOSE: To investigate the associations between objectively-determined and self-reported neighborhood walkability and perceived cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and flexibility. METHOD: We recruited a random sample of 592 adults (≥18 years of age) from Calgary (Canada). Participants provided complete data to an online questionnaire capturing perceived cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscular strength (MS), and flexibility, frequency of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), frequency of strength training, and sociodemographic characteristics. The questionnaire also captured participant’s perceptions of their neighborhood’s walkability (Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale; PANES) and the physical activity supportiveness of neighborhood parks (Park Perceptions Index; PPI). Objectively-measured walkability was estimated using Walk Score® assigned to each participant’s residential postal code. Covariate-adjusted linear regression estimated the associations between the built environment and perceived fitness variables. RESULTS: The average age of participants was 46.6 (14.8) years and 67.2% were female. Participants, on average, participated in at least 30-minutes of MVPA on 3.4 (2.1) days/week and reported strength training 2.0 (1.8) days/week. Walk Score® was not associated with any fitness variables. The PANES index was positively associated (p<.05) with CRF, MS, flexibility and overall fitness and the PPI was positively associated (p<.05) with all fitness variables except MS. CONCLUSION: Our novel findings suggest the neighborhood built environment has the potential to support and promote higher fitness levels in adults.