Abstract
Background
As modern lifestyles are mostly sedentary, physical activity (PA) is a vital factor in preventing health issues such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes or obesity. Green spaces can be an important resource for urban residents’ PA, although it often remains unclear which green space measures are most relevant.
Methods
A representative cross-sectional survey of German urban inhabitants was conducted. Subjective green space quantity and quality as well as weekly use of green spaces were assessed. PA was measured via the International Physical Activity Questionnaire and categorized into low, moderate and high PA. The association between green space measures and PA categories was investigated via ordinal regression models. Individual demographics, socioeconomic status (SES) and availability of private green were included as covariates.
Results
In total, survey data from 4,979 German urban inhabitants were analyzed (48.4% female). Greater availability of green spaces close to participants’ homes was statistically significantly associated with higher PA levels (OR: 1.06 (95% CI: 1.02; 1.09); p < 0.001). Additionally, a statistically significant association between more weekly time spent in green spaces and higher PA levels was identified (OR: 1.09 (95% CI: 1.07; 1.10); p < 0.001). No association was found regarding subjective urban green quality and PA levels. Furthermore, a higher SES was statistically significantly associated with PA (OR: 1.7 (95% CI: 1.43; 2.03); p < 0.001 for high SES compared to low SES).
Conclusions
The results of this investigation underline the complex association of urban green spaces and PA. Greater availability of green spaces seems to be a potential facilitator of urban inhabitants’ PA. Green space use can be an important way of being physically active and green spaces should be designed accordingly. To reveal the association between green space qualities and PA, more focus on specific qualities might be needed.
Key messages
• Available and useable green spaces close to urban resident’s homes are important factors to enable physical activity.
• Urban Green spaces need to be designed with physical activity aspects in mind and considering residents’ requirements.