Environmental Supports For Physical Activity Research Articles

Be active: a food-based dietary guideline for elderly South Africans

The goal of this paper is to support the ‘Be active!’ food-based dietary guideline (FBDG) for South Africans of seven years and older by means of a technical guideline regarding physical activity (PA) specifically for the elderly. Optimal nutrition and physical activity (PA) are essential to ensure healthy ageing. PA is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle; however; the rate of low PA in the elderly (59.7%) is high in South Africa (SA). Regular PA reduces the risks of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases and cancers. Therefore, this review study aims to gather available information concerning PA and suitable methods to promote PA among the elderly in SA. Lack of environmental support for PA, trainers, PA-educated caregivers, poor knowledge about the recommended level of PA and its benefits, lack of motivation by healthcare providers, poor health and nutritional status, and lack of opportunity for social engagement prevent the elderly from participating in PA. Elderly individuals without any physical challenges should participate in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic PA in a week, or at least 75 minutes per week of vigorous-intensity aerobic PA or an equivalent combination of both types of aerobic PA. It is better to start PA slowly and increase the duration and frequency gradually. Even those who have some disease limitations should try to change their status from ‘inactive or no activity’ to ‘some level of activity’ to enjoy the health benefits of PA. More research and programmes focusing on promotion of PA need to be implemented in order to improve PA among the elderly in SA.

COVID-19: Implications for Physical Activity, Health Disparities, and Health Equity.

Physical activity is one of the most efficacious pathways to promoting mental and physical health, preventing disease, and, most important during the COVID-19 pandemic, bolstering a stronger immune system. Efforts to “flatten the curve” have resulted in the temporary closure of exercise facilities and gyms, suspension of sport activities, and advisories to avoid public recreational spaces. All of these changes have made traditional opportunities to be physically active difficult to access. These changes have also exacerbated existing disparities in access to social and environmental supports for physical activity, potentially contributing to a widening gap in physical activity participation among those at greatest risk for COVID-19. Physical activity can play a special role in reducing the inequitable consequences of COVID-19; however, expansion and better targeting of evidence-informed interventions are needed that address the unique barriers present in communities that have been economically and socially marginalized to achieve health equity in COVID-19 outcomes. This review highlights effective and feasible strategies that provide more equitable access to physical activity programs and spaces across the United States. With a renewed investment in physical activity, this behavior can play a crucial role in improving population health and reducing disparities during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

Walkability 101: A Multi-Method Assessment of the Walkability at a University Campus

The aim of this study is to evaluate objective and perceived campus walkability as an environmental support for physical activity within a large Southeastern university. Ten university routes were evaluated twice for 24 key walkability characteristics. Eighty-three campus member surveys (62 students, 21 faculty/staff) were administered and assessed campus members’ familiarity with walkability, attitudes about walking as a form of physical activity, and perceptions of whether specific elements of the campus layout encouraged physical activity. At least 90% of routes had sidewalks, curb cuts, and crosswalks. Likewise, over 85% of participants perceived the campus layout to encourage physical activity. Faculty/staff members were more familiar with the term walkability and considered walking as a form of physical activity than students ( p < .05). Both campus members’ perceptions and environmental audits identified strengths and weaknesses for diverse walkability attributes. Results will be used to improve campus infrastructure and promote increased walking and physical activity at the university.

The effects of acculturation and environment on lifestyle behaviors in Korean immigrants: the mediating role of acculturative stress and body image discrepancy

ABSTRACT Objectives Despite high rates of cardiometabolic diseases in Korean immigrants (KIs), little is known about cultural and environmental factors contributing to lifestyle behaviors. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the relationships among acculturation, environment, and lifestyle behaviors (dietary behavior, physical activity, and sedentary behavior) through culturally sensitive psychological mediators, body image discrepancy and acculturative stress in middle-aged KIs. Design A cross-sectional study was conducted. KIs aged 30–65 years were recruited online and at Korean community centers and churches in the Northeastern US Participants completed validated measures of dietary behavior (the Nutrition Subscale of the Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP) II), physical activity (the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) – short form), and sedentary behavior (the Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire). Acculturative stress was measured by the Acculturative Stress Index and body image discrepancy was measured by the Stunkard Figure Rating Scale. Acculturation was defined as a latent variable measured by Korean and American orientation (Vancouver Index of Acculturation), age of immigration to the US, length of residency in the US, and English proficiency. Data were analyzed with structural equation modeling (SEM). Results The sample included 361 KIs (mean age = 41.77 ± 10.28 years, 48.1% female, and 46.4% overweight or obese). In the SEM model, acculturation had significant indirect effects on dietary behavior, physical activity, and sedentary behavior through body image discrepancy. Acculturative stress mediated the relationship between acculturation and sedentary behavior. Greater environmental support for physical activity and better healthy food accessibility were related to higher levels of physical activity and healthier dietary behavior, respectively. Conclusion In our study, acculturation and environmental support for physical activity and healthy food simultaneously influenced KIs’ lifestyle behaviors. Addressing an unhealthy body image and acculturative stress may be additional strategies for lifestyle intervention programs to prevent cardiometabolic diseases in KIs.

The association between television viewing time and percent body fat in adults varies as a function of physical activity and sex

BackgroundData suggest that sedentary behavior is an independent risk factor for obesity; however, the extent to which physical activity (PA) and sex alter this relationship remains unclear. To address this gap, the current study examined the association between television (TV) viewing time and percent body fat (%BF) as a function of PA level and sex.MethodsTrained interviewers assessed 454 adults at their place of residence. Participants completed questionnaires to determine h of TV watched per week, PA level (inactive = not meeting PA guidelines vs. active = meeting PA guideline), and covariates including demographics (e.g., sex), depression symptoms, perceived stress, fruit and vegetable intake, and environmental support for PA. Foot-to-foot bioelectrical impedance (Tanita TBF-300, Tokyo, Japan) was used to assess %BF. Mixed models were generated to examine the association between TV h/wk. and %BF as a function of PA level and sex while accounting for the multi-level nature of the data (neighborhood- and individual-levels) and covariates.ResultsParticipants were 44.4 ± 14.0 (Mean + Standard Deviation) years of age with 33.2 ± 11.1%BF, and watched 19.3 ± 15.5 h/wk. of TV. Most were female (70.9%) and inactive (63.2%). Mixed model regression demonstrated that among inactive participants, each additional h of TV viewed/wk. was associated with a 1.03% increase in %BF; TV h/wk. and %BF were not associated in active adults. When models were further stratified by sex, h of TV viewed/wk. were significantly associated with %BF only in inactive females. Each additional h of TV viewed/wk. was associated with an increase in %BF of 1.14%. Conclusion: Interventions targeting PA and/or TV viewing time may be a high-priority to curb excess BF accumulation especially among inactive females.

Addressing Disparities in Physical Activity Participation Among African American and Latino Youth

Racial/ethnic disparities in access to social and environmental supports for physical activity (PA) exist at each level of Bronfenbrenner’s ecological-systems model. African American and Latino you...

Environmental Supports for Physical Activity, National Health Interview Survey–2015

The Guide to Community Preventive Services recommends combined built environment approaches to increase physical activity, including new or enhanced transportation infrastructure (e.g., sidewalks) and land use and environmental design interventions (e.g., close proximity of local destinations). The aim of this brief report is to provide nationally representative estimates of two types of built environment supports for physical activity: near-home walkable infrastructure and destinations, from the 2015 National Health Interview Survey. Adults (n=30,453) reported the near-home presence of walkable transportation infrastructure (roads, sidewalks, paths, or trails where you can walk; and whether most streets have sidewalks) and four walkable destination types (shops, stores, or markets; bus or transit stops; movies, libraries, or churches; and places that help you relax, clear your mind, and reduce stress). The prevalence of each, and the count of destination types, was calculated (in 2017) and stratified by demographic characteristics. Overall, 85.1% reported roads, sidewalks, paths, or trails on which to walk, and 62.6% reported sidewalks on most streets. Among destinations, 71.8% reported walkable places to relax; followed by shops (58.0%); transit stops (53.2%); and movies, libraries, or churches (47.5%). For most design elements, prevalence was similar among adults aged 18-24 and 25-34 years, but decreased with age >35 years. Adults in the South reported a lower prevalence of all elements compared with those in other Census regions. Many U.S. adults report walkable built environment elements near their home; future efforts might target areas with many older adult residents or those living in the South.

Using Citizen Scientists to Gather, Analyze, and Disseminate Information About Neighborhood Features That Affect Active Living.

Many Latinos are insufficiently active, partly due to neighborhoods with little environmental support for physical activity. Multi-level approaches are needed to create health-promoting neighborhoods in disadvantaged communities. Participant "citizen scientists" were adolescent (n=10, mean age=12.8±0.6years) and older adult (n=10, mean age=71.3±6.5years), low income Latinos in North Fair Oaks, California. Citizen scientists conducted environmental assessments to document perceived barriers to active living using the Stanford Healthy Neighborhood Discovery Tool, which records GPS-tracked walking routes, photographs, audio narratives, and survey responses. Using a community-engaged approach, citizen scientists subsequently attended a community meeting to engage in advocacy training, review assessment data, prioritize issues to address and brainstorm potential solutions and partners. Citizen scientists each conducted a neighborhood environmental assessment and recorded 366 photographs and audio narratives. Adolescents (n=4), older adults (n=7) and community members (n=4) collectively identified reducing trash and improving personal safety and sidewalk quality as the priority issues to address. Three adolescent and four older adult citizen scientists volunteered to present study findings to key stakeholders. This study demonstrated that with minimal training, low-income, Latino adolescent and older adult citizen scientists can: (1) use innovative technology to gather information about features of their neighborhood environment that influence active living, (2) analyze their information and identify potential solutions, and (3) engage with stakeholders to advocate for the development of healthier neighborhoods.

“Can we walk?” Environmental supports for physical activity in India

India is currently facing a non-communicable disease epidemic. Physical activity (PA) is a preventative factor for non-communicable diseases. Understanding the role of the built environment (BE) to facilitate or constrain PA is essential for public health interventions to increase population PA. The objective of this study was to understand BEs associations with PA occurring in two major life domains or life areas—travel and leisure—in urban India. Between December 2014 and April 2015, in-person surveys were conducted with participants (N=370; female=47.2%) in Chennai, India. Perceived BE characteristics regarding residential density, land use mix-diversity, land use mix-access, street connectivity, infrastructure for walking and bicycling, aesthetics, traffic safety, and safety from crime were measured using the adapted Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale-India (NEWS-India). Self-reported PA was measured the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. High residential density was associated with greater odds of travel PA (aOR=1.9, 95% CI=1.2, 3.2). Land use mix-diversity was positively related to travel PA (aOR=2.1, 95%CI=1.2, 3.6), but not associated with leisure or total PA. The aggregate NEWS-India score predicted a two-fold increase in odds of travel PA (aOR=1.9, 95% CI=1.1, 3.1) and a 40% decrease in odds of leisure PA (aOR=0.6, 95% CI=0.4, 1.0). However, the association of the aggregated score with leisure PA was not significant. Results suggest that relationships between BE and PA in low-and-middle income countries may be context-specific, and may differ markedly from higher income countries. Findings have public health implications for India suggesting that caution should be taken when translating evidence across countries.

Perceived and Objective Measures of Neighborhood Environment for Physical Activity Among Mexican Adults, 2011.

IntroductionEnvironmental supports for physical activity may help residents to be physically active. However, such supports might not help if residents’ perceptions of the built environment do not correspond with objective measures. We assessed the associations between objective and perceived measures of the built environment among adults in Cuernavaca, Mexico, and examined whether certain variables modified this relationship.MethodsWe conducted a population-based (n = 645) study in 2011 that used objective (based on geographic information systems) and perceived (by questionnaire) measures of the following features of the built environment: residential density, mixed-land use, intersection density, and proximity to parks and transit stops. We used linear regression to assess the adjusted associations between these measures and to identify variables modifying these relationships.ResultsAdjusted associations were significant for all features (P < .05) except intersection density and proximity to transit stops. Significantly stronger associations between perceived and objective measures were observed among participants with low socioeconomic status, participants who did not own a motor vehicle or did not meet physical activity recommendations, and participants perceiving parks as safe.ConclusionPerceived measures of residential density, mixed-land use, and proximity to parks are associated with objective environmental measures related to physical activity. However, in Mexico, it should not be assumed that perceived measures of intersection density and proximity to transit stops are the same as objective measures. Our results are consistent with those from high-income countries in that associations between perceived and objective measures are modified by individual sociodemographic and psychosocial factors.

Abstract MP13: Perceived Environmental Supports and Barriers are Associated with Physical Activity Behaviors During Pregnancy

Background: In the absence of contraindications, current guidelines recommend ≥ 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity for women during pregnancy for the prevention of excess weight gain, metabolic abnormalities (e.g., gestational diabetes), and the general health of both mother and offspring. In the U.S., approximately 20% of pregnant women meet this recommendation. The perceived quality of the built environment may play an important role in supporting or hindering active living during pregnancy. Thus, this study examined the association of environmental supports for physical activity (PA) with PA behaviors in a population of pregnant women. Methods: The study included 155 pregnant women in the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center that self-reported PA behaviors during the third trimester (27+ weeks). Participants also rated 26 perceived environmental supports and barriers for PA in four domains: outdoor recreation supports, access to a safe walking environment, neighborhood and community supports, and public recreation facilities; the total environmental quality score ranged from 0 (worst) to 26 (best). Logistic regression was used to examine the association of the total and subscale scores with achievement of ≥150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) during the pregnancy, maintenance of pre-pregnancy PA level, and change in moderate PA from the 1st through 3rd trimester. Results: The study included women between the ages of 20-46 years that were between 27-40 weeks pregnant. The mean age was 32 years (SD=4.3 years). Fifty percent of the study population reported achieving ≥150 minutes per week of MVPA. Women with access to a safe walking environment were more likely to maintain or increase their PA during pregnancy [adjusted OR (aOR) per 1-point increase in PA score = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.14-2.28, p&lt;0.01]; a safe walking environment was characterized by perceptions of physically active neighbors, lack of concern about unattended pets, safe and well-maintained sidewalks, and adequate street lighting. Participants that reported better access to public recreational facilities were also more likely to maintain or increase moderate PA levels throughout their pregnancy (aOR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.05 - 1.47, p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: Perceived access to a safe environment and neighborhood public recreation facilities are strongly associated with achievement and maintenance of recommended PA throughout pregnancy. Interventions at the individual-level have been shown to promote PA during pregnancy. Combining these efforts with community-level interventions that enhance the built environment to include access to safe outdoor space for leisure and recreational facilities may also positively impact the metabolic health of expectant mothers.

Factors Associated With Body Weight Status among Students in Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur (IUKL), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The occurrence of obesity and overweight status in the population has caught public attention. This is in line with the World Health Organization's concern (2013). The present study aimed to determine factors associated with body weight status among students in Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur (IUKL), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A cross-sectional study was conducted to asses physical activity level, environmental factors affecting physical activity level and their association with body weight status among 280 students in Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur (IUKL), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The mean of respondent’s total physical activity per week was 3988.50 ± 6758.45 METs minute/week. This was significantly higher (t = 3.020, p = 0.003) among male respondents (5496.37 ± 7860.26 METs minute/week) compared to females (3032.93 ± 5779.55 METs minutes/week). The overall environmental supports for physical activity among the respondents were at moderate level (2.17 ± 0.72), although the total environmental supports for physical activity among female is slightly higher compared to male (2.17 ± 0.77 vs 2.15 ± 0.63), no significant different was observed (t = - 0.25; p = 0.805). In general over weight / obese status was highly prevalent among those with low involvement with neighbourhood environment for physical activity (28%) (the lowest quartile). Although adjusted crude analysis of support to neighbourhood environment for physical activity showed reverse associations with overweight / obese status, no significant trend was observed.

Assessing Needs and Feasibility of Diabetes Self-management Coaching at Faith-Based Organizations for Indo-Guyanese Immigrants.

The purpose of this study is to explore barriers and needs related to diabetes care and the feasibility of diabetes self-management (DSM) "coaching" at faith-based organizations (FBOs) for the Indo-Guyanese community in Schenectady, New York. Participants were recruited though flyers and mass mailings, and in-depth interviews were conducted at their homes by a team of culturally matched interviewers using a semi-structured questionnaire. Characteristics of participants were compared with existing population-based data to confirm their representativeness. Responses were transcribed, coded, and summarized, and findings are presented along with selective quotations. Key dimensions of feasibility were scored and charted for visualization. Findings revealed barriers regarding diet-related knowledge and skills, access to structured DSM education, hyperglycemia control, and environmental support for physical activity. Participants responded positively to receiving free DSM coaching at their FBOs. All participants preferred a qualified health care professional such as certified diabetes educator as their coach and wanted coaching in all aspects of DSM; however, food preparation/diet was the most frequently requested specific topic. Participants uniformly disliked contact with the coach through e-mails and text messages but liked receiving periodic telephone calls at home by the coach. Overall, DSM coaching at FBOs rated high on the key dimensions of feasibility, namely, affordability, accessibility, acceptability, cultural relevance, and safety. This study sheds light on the feasibility of an FBO-based DSM intervention for the Indo-Guyanese. It offers insights into developing culturally appropriate DSM intervention format and strategy.

Improvements to executive function during exercise training predict maintenance of physical activity over the following year.

Previous studies have shown that exercise training benefits cognitive, neural, and physical health markers in older adults. It is likely that these positive effects will diminish if participants return to sedentary lifestyles following training cessation. Theory posits that that the neurocognitive processes underlying self-regulation, namely executive function (EF), are important to maintaining positive health behaviors. Therefore, we examined whether better EF performance in older women would predict greater adherence to routine physical activity (PA) over 1 year following a 12-month resistance exercise training randomized controlled trial. The study sample consisted of 125 community-dwelling women aged 65–75 years old. Our primary outcome measure was self-reported PA, as measured by the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE), assessed on a monthly basis from month 13 to month 25. Executive function was assessed using the Stroop Test at baseline (month 0) and post-training (month 12). Latent growth curve analyses showed that, on average, PA decreased during the follow-up period but at a decelerating rate. Women who made greater improvements to EF during the training period showed better adherence to PA during the 1-year follow-up period (β = −0.36, p < 0.05); this association was unmitigated by the addition of covariates (β = −0.44, p < 0.05). As expected, EF did not predict changes in PA during the training period (p > 0.10). Overall, these findings suggest that improving EF plays an important role in whether older women maintain higher levels of PA following exercise training and that this association is only apparent after training when environmental support for PA is low.

Physical activity as a mediator linking neighborhood environmental supports and obesity in African Americans in the path trial.

African Americans have the highest rates of obesity in the United States. Engaging in recommended levels of physical activity (PA) reduces risk for obesity. Social and environmental supports for PA may be important to increase PA. This study hypothesized that PA would mediate the effects of neighborhood and social supports for PA on body mass index (BMI). Baseline data were collected from 434 underserved African American adults in the Positive Action for Today's Health (PATH) trial. Features of the neighborhood environment (i.e., infrastructure for walking, access to services, and crime) and peer social support were measured with validated surveys. Moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) was assessed based on 7-day accelerometry estimates (in minutes per day), and self-reported walking and exercise were obtained using the Four-Week Physical Activity History questionnaire. The sample was predominantly female (63%) and obese (MBMI = 30.88 kg/m², SD = 8.43). Neither crime nor social support was significantly associated with either PA or BMI; thus, they were excluded from the final models. Infrastructure for walking predicted MVPA (B = 4.06, p = .01) and self-reported walking (B = 7.39, p = .03). A positive association between access to services and MVPA approached significance (B = 2.27, p = .06). MVPA (B = -0.07, p < .001) and self-reported walking (B = -0.02, p = .01) predicted BMI, but only MVPA mediated the effect of infrastructure for walking on BMI (B = -0.03, p = .04). No significant direct or indirect effects of predictors were found for self-reported exercise. Findings suggest that MVPA is a mediator linking infrastructure for walking and BMI in underserved communities.

PACES: A Physical Activity Campus Environmental Supports Audit on University Campuses

This study evaluated the policy and built and recreation environmental supports for physical activity on 13 university campuses. Environmental audit survey. Thirteen U.S. universities, 2009. Subjects. University policies, recreation programs and facilities, and at least five additional buildings per campus. The Physical Activity Campus Environmental Supports Audit was developed for this study. Analysis of variance with post hoc Tukey's B and χ(2) assessed differences by institution and building type. The mean obesogenic policy score was significantly lower than the desired score, ≥7 (p = .002), with only one campus scoring 10. The mean built environment audit score (5.4 ± 1.7) was low, with significant differences between institutions (p < .001) and only three campuses scoring above the desired score, ≥7. Although generally stairwells were clean and well lighted, there was a lack of signage to encourage stair use (p < .001). Overall, recreation programs (7.1 ± .7) and facilities (7.1 ± 1.2) scored well, but amenities scores were lower for satellite (2.8 ± 1.6) versus main (4.1 ± 1.8) recreation facilities (p = .04). On these 13 university campuses, recreation programs and facilities were supportive of healthful lifestyles for obesity prevention, but policies and the built environment were not. This physical activity environmental audit survey requires testing in a wider sample of postsecondary institutions to corroborate its utility and provide evidence to support initiatives to improve campus environments for physical activity.

English Language Proficiency and Physical Activity among Mexican-Origin Women in South Texas and South Carolina

To examine the relationship between English language proficiency (ELP), physical activity, and physical activity-related psychosocial measures (i.e., exercise self-efficacy, exercise social support, perceptions of environmental supports) among Mexican-origin women in South Carolina and Texas. Adjusted robust regression and interaction modeling to evaluate baseline questionnaire data on self-reported ELP with CHAMPS leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), accelerometry data, Physical Activity Self-Efficacy, Physical Activity Social Support, and Environmental Support for Physical Activity in 118 Mexican-origin women. The adjusted regression revealed a significant association between ELP and perceived physical activity self-efficacy (β = 234.2, p = .004), but not with physical activity social support. In South Carolina, CHAMPS leisure-time MVPA (411.4 versus 114.3 minutes, p < .05) was significantly different between women in the high ELP quartile and those in the very low quartile. Among high ELP Mexican-origin women, participants in Texas reported significantly higher MVPA measured by accelerometry (p = .042) than those in South Carolina. Our findings indicate that ELP was associated with physical activity and that contextual factors may also play a role.

Perceived exercise barriers and facilitators among ethnically diverse breast cancer survivors.

To determine whether women with breast cancer were meeting current physical activity recommendations and to describe perceptions of exercise self-efficacy, exercise benefits and barriers, and perceptions of environmental supports for physical activity by race or ethnicity. Cross-sectional survey. Community wellness workshops held in various locations in central and eastern North Carolina. 65 breast cancer survivors in treatment or post-treatment. Caucasian women comprised 46% of the sample followed by African Americans (34%) and Hispanics/Latinas (16%). Descriptive statistics were used to determine the percentage of women meeting physical activity guidelines and for comparing exercise-related perceptions. Spearman's rho correlation coefficient tests were conducted to identify associations between physical activity and exercise-related perceptions. Physical activity, perceived exercise self-efficacy, exercise barriers, and benefits. Hispanic/Latina women were least likely to meet physical activity recommendations. Hispanic/Latina women were more likely than Caucasian and African American women to report lack of enjoyment from exercise, lack of knowledge on how to exercise, feeling self-conscious because of looks, and discouragement as exercise barriers. In a sociocultural context, exercise beliefs need to be considered in the development of culturally responsive exercise interventions that may enhance the health of breast cancer survivors. Considering the increasing number of breast cancer survivors from diverse racial or ethnic backgrounds, a need exists for culturally competent nursing interventions aimed at increasing exercise. When educating breast cancer survivors, nurses should address sociocultural factors that may hinder or facilitate engagement in exercise. Most women were not meeting physical activity recommendations, particularly Hispanic/Latina women. Perceptions of exercise-related beliefs differed, although not significantly, across racial and ethnic groups. More perceived exercise barriers existed for Hispanic/Latina women compared to Caucasian and African American women, which may indicate sociocultural differences.

Associations among environmental supports, physical activity, and blood pressure in African-American adults in the PATH trial

High blood pressure disproportionately affects African-American adults and is a leading cause of stroke and heart attack. Engaging in recommended levels of physical activity reduces blood pressure, and social and physical environmental supports for physical activity may increase engagement in physical activity. Based on social cognitive theory within a bioecological framework, the present study tested hypotheses that perceived peer social support for physical activity and neighborhood walkability would be positively associated with physical activity, and that physical activity would mediate their relation with blood pressure. Baseline data were collected with 434 African-American adults in underserved communities (low income, high crime) participating in the Positive Action for Today's Health (PATH) trial. Perceived peer social support for physical activity and neighborhood walkability were measured with validated surveys. Physical activity was assessed with 7-day accelerometry (moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, min/day) and with a 4-week recall of walking. Three blood pressure assessments were taken by trained staff using standard protocols, with values from the second and third assessments averaged. The sample was predominantly female (63%), overweight (mean body mass index = 30.9, SD = 8.4), and had slightly elevated blood pressures with a mean systolic blood pressure of 132.4 (SD = 17.9) and a mean diastolic blood pressure of 81.4 (SD = 11.0). Results demonstrated that peer social support for physical activity (B = 2.43, p = .02) and neighborhood walkability (B = 2.40, p = .046) were significantly related to average daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. Neighborhood walkability was also significantly associated with self-reported average daily walking (B = 8.86, p = .02). Physical activity did not mediate their relation with blood pressure and no significant direct effects of these variables on blood pressure were found. The positive influence of social and physical environmental supports on physical activity in underserved African-American communities may guide intervention efforts and contribute to our understanding of physical activity and related health outcomes.

Obesity and Other Correlates of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors among US High School Students

Understanding correlates of physical activity (PA) can help inform and improve programs that promote PA among youth. We analyzed data from the 2010 National Youth Physical Activity and Nutrition Study, a representative sample of US students in grades 9–12. Logistic regression was used to examine associations between PA correlates (obesity, physical education classes, sports team participation, attitude toward PA, adult support for PA, and environmental support for PA) and participation in daily PA (DPA), vigorous PA (VPA), muscle-strengthening activity (MSA), viewing television (TV), and using computers or video games (C/VG). A positive attitude toward PA and adult support for PA were both associated with increased PA and decreased sedentary behavior. However, among students who lived in neighborhoods that were not safe for PA, a positive attitude toward PA was not associated with increased DPA or decreased sedentary behavior and was less strongly associated with VPA and MSA. Efforts to increase PA among youth should promote a positive attitude toward PA among youth and encourage adult family members to support their efforts to be active. Policies that promote safe neighborhoods may work synergistically with a positive attitude toward PA to increase participation in PA and decrease sedentary behaviors.