Our findings suggest that the perceived environment is important to promote both MVPA and walking in rural and urban areas. To better understand environmental correlates in rural structures, we particularly need more specific studies.
BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate whether the perception of the neighbourhood environment alters when changing the physical activity behaviour through a pedometer intervention.FindingsThe intervention was implemented for 15 weeks in a small village in Germany, and was based on the individual baseline activity level. Eighty-two inhabitants participated in the study and completed an environmental questionnaire before and after the intervention. Results showed that after the intervention the participants perceived a lower distance to local facilities, a higher availability of bike lanes and infrastructures, a better maintenance of infrastructure, a better network and a safer traffic situation.ConclusionThis suggests that a change in the levels of physical activity merges the levels of exposure to the environment which results in different environmental perceptions.
The majority of elderly persons are still not sufficiently physically active. Therefore the aim of this study was to investigate different approaches (physical activity courses, poster, online-survey) for activating elderly to participate in physical activity. The most effective approach was target group physical activity courses with which higher course participation rates in men as well as in people with lower levels of education were achieved. Referring to the transtheoretical model (TTM) it is necessary for future analyses of target group approaches to consider more intensely the initial motivational position of physically inactive elderly.
The aim of this intervention study was to evaluate the health effect of the German physical activity campaign "3000 steps more per day". Physical activity should be enhanced by means of adding 3000 steps per day to baseline level. After identifying the step counts at baseline, all participants (n = 153, 43.0 ± 8.3 years) were urged to accumulate additional 3000 steps per day to their baseline activity over a period of 15 weeks. Pre- and post-tests included measurements of (1) body weight and body mass index, (2) aerobic fitness as well as (3) subjective quality of life. At baseline the mean activity level reached 6646 ± 2305 steps per day and increased during intervention to 9886 ± 2536 steps per day. 52.9% of the participants achieved the intervention goal throughout the intervention. The body weight and body mass index reduced significantly. Aerobic fitness and subjective quality of life significantly improved. By means of the present intervention considerable health effects are achieved. Pedometer interventions are a reasonable possibility for lifestyle changes, especially for physical inactive people.
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