Sex Differences in the Relationship between Park Proximity and Features and Child and Youth Physical Activity

Abstract

This study examined the association of park proximity and features with child and youth physical activity, including differences by sex,among 191 young peoplein Kansas City, Missouri.Logistic regression examined the relationship between each park variable and the likelihood of children and youth engaging in a greater amount of physical activity. All young peoplewith a playground within a half-mile or a baseball field within one mile of home,femaleswho had a park within a half-mile, and maleswith a park within onemilewere more likely to achieve a greater amount of physical activity. The findings furtherprevious research indicating that parks are valuable community resources that can play an important role in the battle against obesity and chronic disease in children and youth across the U.S.