Associations Between Sociodemographic Characteristics and Perceptions of the Built Environment With the Frequency, Type, and Duration of Physical Activity Among Trail Users

Authors

Andréa L. Maslow, University of South Carolina - Columbia
Julian A. Reed, Furman University
Anna E. Greer, Sacred Heart UniversityFollow
Steven P. Hooker, Arizona State University

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2012

Program

Exercise Science

Abstract

Introduction

Rail trails are elements of the built environment that support the Task Force on Community Preventive Services' recommendation to create, or enhance access to, places for physical activity (PA). The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between sociodemographic characteristics and perceptions of the built environment with the frequency, type, and duration of PA among users of an urban, paved rail trail segment.

Methods

Interviewers conducted intercept surveys with 431 rail trail users and analyzed data by using logistic regression to estimate odds ratios between sociodemographic characteristics and perceptions of the built environment on the frequency, type, and duration of PA performed on the trail.

Results

Adults who used the trail in the cool months, traveled to the trail by a motorized vehicle, used the trail with others, and had some graduate school education visited the trail less often. Younger adults, men, whites, and those with some graduate school education were more likely to engage in vigorous activities on the trail. Adults who traveled to the trail by a motorized vehicle spent more time engaged in PA on the trail.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the most frequent users of a rail trail for PA are those who use the trail alone and travel to the trail by bicycle or on foot. Trails are an aspect of the built environment that supports active lifestyles, and future studies should evaluate different types of trails among more diverse populations and locations.

Comments

PMCID: PMC3346817

PMC open access. In the public domain and is allowed to be used and reproduced by anyone without permission.

DOI

10.5888/pcd9.110114

Recommended Citation

Maslow, A. L., Reed, J. A., Price, A. E., & Hooker, S. P. (2012). Associations between sociodemographic characteristics and perceptions of the built environment with the frequency, type, and duration of physical activity among trail users. Preventing Chronic Disease, 9(110114). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5888/pcd9.110114

Publication

Prevention of Chronic Disease

Volume

9

Issue

110114

Publisher

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention