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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research article

The association between built environment features and physical activity in the Australian context: a synthesis of the literature

Authors: Belen Zapata-Diomedi, J. Lennert Veerman

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

There is growing evidence indicating that the built environment is a determinant of physical activity. However, despite the well-established health benefits of physical activity this is rarely considered in urban planning. We summarised recent Australian evidence for the association built environment-physical activity among adults. This summary aims to inform policy makers who advocate for the consideration of health in urban planning.

Methods

A combination of built environment and physical activity terms were used to systematically identify relevant peer reviewed and grey literature.

Results

A total of 23 studies were included, providing 139 tests of associations between specific built environment features and physical activity. Of the total, 84 relationships using objective measures of built environment attributes were evaluated, whereas 55 relationships using self-reported measures were evaluated. Our results indicate that walkable neighbourhoods with a wide range of local destinations to go to, as well as a diverse use of land, encourage physical activity among their residents.

Conclusions

This research provides a summary of recent Australian evidence on built environments that are most favourable for physical activity. Features of walkability and availability of destinations within walking distance should be accounted for in the development or redevelopment of urban areas. Our findings emphasise the importance of urban planning for health via its impact on population levels of physical activity.
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Metadata
Title
The association between built environment features and physical activity in the Australian context: a synthesis of the literature
Authors
Belen Zapata-Diomedi
J. Lennert Veerman
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-016-3154-2

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