Environmental quality and health promotion: what determines performance of physical activity in urban parks?

Abstract

The evidence from recent studies indicate that the supply of urban parks is associated with the local population’s health benefits. A proposed mechanism for this question is that the parks positively influence the self-perception of the individual's health and encourages physical activity. However, studies exploring this association have produced mixed results. The objective of this study was to review evidences documented in Brazil and in the world that linked urban parks and environmental quality factor with the physical activity level of the population, and propose the following reflection: to what extent the parks comprehend a key to reducing sedentary habits and what are the determining characteristics of those places that act as promoters of health through physical activity? We conclude that urban parks provide health benefits, but do not guarantee increased physical activity level by itself. Many other factors facilitate or impede the use of parks actively. National surveys that explore the theme are extremely scarce and need to be encouraged for clarifying this important role of urban parks in Brazil.