Perceived urban environment attributes and obesity indices in adults: an 8-Nation study from Latin America.

This study examines the associations between perceived urban environment attributes and obesity indices by country using data from an eight-nation study from Latin America. The data were collected from 8185 adults. The Neighbourhood Environment Walkability-abbreviated scale was used to assess perceived urban environment attributes. Obesity indices considered were body mass index, waist circumference, neck circumference, a body shape index and waist-to-height ratio. The perception of a more and better land use mix-diversity (ß - 0.44; 95% CI - 0.59, - 0.28), traffic safety (- 0.39; - 0.66, - 0.12), and safety from crime (- 0.36; - 0.57, - 0.15) was associated with lower body mass index across the entire sample. Land use mix-diversity (- 1.21; - 1.60, - 0.82), street connectivity (- 0.26; - 0.37, - 0.15), and traffic safety (- 0.79; - 1.47, - 0.12) were negatively associated with waist circumference. Land use mix-diversity (- 0.11; - 0.20, - 0.03), land use mix-access (- 0.23; - 0.34, 0.12), walking/cycling facilities (- 0.22; - 0.37, - 0.08), and safety from crime (- 0.27; - 0.42, - 0.12) were negatively associated with neck circumference. No associations between perceived urban environment attributes and a body shape index were found. Land use mix-diversity (- 0.01; - 0.02, - 0.01), aesthetics (- 0.02; - 0.03, - 0.01), and safety from crime (- 0.02; - 0.04, - 0.01) were associated with waist-to-height ratio. Environmental interventions involving urban environment attributes are associated with obesity indices and, therefore, may help decrease the prevalence of overweight and obesity.

Barriers to physical activity among adults in primary healthcare units in the National Health System: a cross-sectional study in Brazil

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Many factors may negatively impact physical activity (PA), but studies lack evidence of individual predictors of perceived barriers to PA among adults in primary healthcare units. OBJECTIVE: To analyze associations between sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions, leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), PA counseling and perceived barriers to LTPA among adult patients in primary healthcare units of the National Health System in Brazil. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study on a representative sample of adults in primary healthcare units in São José dos Pinhais, Paraná, Brazil. METHODS: This study was conducted in 2019, among 779 adults (70% women). Barriers to LTPA, sociodemographic characteristics (sex, age, marital status, skin color, education and income), health conditions (body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, coronary disease and medications), LTPA level and PA counseling received were measured using validated, standardized procedures. The data were analyzed using chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: The most prevalent barriers were "feeling too tired" (53%) and "lack of time" (52%). PA counseling was inversely associated with "lack of time" (45% versus 57%; P < 0.001) but positively associated with "injury or disease" (38% versus 29%; P = 0.008). There was an inverse linear trend between the number of barriers and LTPA (walking and total) (P < 0.001). Most barriers differed in comparisons of sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions, LTPA and counseling (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The barriers vary according to the individual predictors. Counseling strategies need to be specific for each barrier and may be promising for promoting LTPA within primary healthcare.

Barriers to physical activity among adults in primary healthcare units in the National Health System: a cross-sectional study in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Many factors may negatively impact physical activity (PA), but studies lack evidence of individual predictors of perceived barriers to PA among adults in primary healthcare units. OBJECTIVE: To analyze associations between sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions, leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), PA counseling and perceived barriers to LTPA among adult patients in primary healthcare units of the National Health System in Brazil. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study on a representative sample of adults in primary healthcare units in São José dos Pinhais, Paraná, Brazil. METHODS: This study was conducted in 2019, among 779 adults (70% women). Barriers to LTPA, sociodemographic characteristics (sex, age, marital status, skin color, education and income), health conditions (body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, coronary disease and medications), LTPA level and PA counseling received were measured using validated, standardized procedures. The data were analyzed using chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: The most prevalent barriers were "feeling too tired" (53%) and "lack of time" (52%). PA counseling was inversely associated with "lack of time" (45% versus 57%; P < 0.001) but positively associated with "injury or disease" (38% versus 29%; P = 0.008). There was an inverse linear trend between the number of barriers and LTPA (walking and total) (P < 0.001). Most barriers differed in comparisons of sociodemographic characteristics, health conditions, LTPA and counseling (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The barriers vary according to the individual predictors. Counseling strategies need to be specific for each barrier and may be promising for promoting LTPA within primary healthcare.

Prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of meeting the Canadian 24-hour movement guidelines among latin american adults: a multi-national cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: 24-hour movement behaviors, including moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), sedentary time (ST), and sleep duration, have important implications for health across the lifespan. However, no studies exist that have examined the integration of these 24-hour movement behaviors in Latin America. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of meeting the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guideline recommendations and sociodemographic correlates of meeting the guidelines in adults from eight Latin American countries. METHODS: This was a multi-national cross-sectional study of 2338 adults aged 18 to 64 years from the Latin American Study of Nutrition and Health. MVPA and ST data were collected using accelerometers. Sleep duration was self-reported using a daily log. Socio-demographic correlates included sex, age, education level, and marital status. Meeting the 24-hour movement guidelines was defined as: ≥150 min/week of MVPA; ≤8 h/day of ST; and between 7 and 9 h/day of sleep. Logistic regression models were estimated on pooled data. RESULTS: The prevalence of adults who met the MVPA, ST, sleep duration, and integrated recommendations was 48.3, 22.0, 19.4, and 1.6%, respectively. Overall, being a woman (OR: 0.72; 95%CI: 0.55,0.93) and having a middle (0.63; 0.47,0.85) or high education level (0.31; 0.17,0.56) was associated with lower odds of meeting all three of the 24-hour movement guideline recommendations. Being married (1.70; 1.25,2.29) was associated with greater odds of meeting all three recommendations. Being a woman (0.46; 0.39,0.55), aged 50-64 years (0.77; 0.60,0.97), and married (0.79; 0.65,0.96) were associated with lower odds of meeting the MVPA recommendation. Having a middle (0.64; 0.50,0.80) or high (0.36; 0.23,0.55) education level was associated with lower odds and being married (1.86; 1.46,2.36) was associated with greater odds of meeting the ST recommendation. Being a woman (0.63; 0.51,0.78) was associated with lower odds; whereas being aged 50-64 years (1.40; 1.04,1.88) and having a middle education level (1.37; 1.09,1.73) were associated with greater odds of meeting the sleep duration recommendation. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the proportion of Latin American adults achieving healthy levels of 24-hour movement behaviors was low. Further efforts are needed to promote more MVPA, less ST, and sufficient sleep in Latin American adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials NCT02226627 . Retrospectively registered on August 27, 2014.

Trends in COVID-19 Health Disparities in North Carolina: Preparing the Field for Long-Haul Patients.

Long-term coronavirus disease 2019 (long-COVID) refers to persistent symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) lingering beyond four weeks of initial infection. Approximately 30% of COVID-19 survivors develop prolonged symptoms. Communities of color are disproportionately affected by comorbidities, increasing the risk of severe COVID-19 and potentially leading to long-COVID. This study aims to identify trends in health disparities related to COVID-19 cases, which can help unveil potential populations at risk for long-COVID. All North Carolina (NC) counties (n = 100) were selected as a case study. Cases and vaccinations per 1000 population were calculated based on the NC Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 dashboard with reports current as of 8 October 2021, which were stratified by age groups and race/ethnicity. Then, NC COVID-19 cases were correlated to median household income, poverty, population density, and social vulnerability index themes. We observed a negative correlation between cases (p < 0.05) and deaths (p < 0.01) with both income and vaccination status. Moreover, there was a significant positive association between vaccination status and median household income (p < 0.01). Our results highlight the prevailing trend between exacerbated COVID-19 infection and low-income/under-resourced communities. Consequently, efforts and resources should be channeled to these communities to effectively monitor, diagnose, and treat against COVID-19 and potentially prevent an overwhelming number of long-COVID cases.

Land use diversity and park use in New York City.

Neighborhood parks and mixed-use land development are both understood to be important independent contributors to physical activity levels. It has been hypothesized that mixed-use land development could increase park use as a result of mixed-use neighborhoods being consistently activated throughout the day, but the results of previous research on this question have been inconsistent and the mediational role of neighborhood activation has not been tested. This study leverages data from Google Places Popular Times and the National Establishment Time Series to directly test the mediational role of the daily temporal distribution of neighborhood activation, to construct a novel measure of commercial activity diversity, and to help disentangle built-environment density from commercial diversity. Park use data was measured from 10,004 systematic observations of 20 neighborhood parks in New York City in the spring and summer of 2017. The hypothesis that commercial activity diversity is positively associated with park use was not supported in any models. However, a positive relationship between built-environment density and park use was found, which may help to explain prior inconsistent findings.

Neighborhood Built Environment Impacts Park Use of Diverse, Low-Income Mothers With Their Children.

Built environment features, including parks, often exacerbate health disparities. We examined built environment perceptions and park use among a population at high risk for negative physical health outcomes: racially diverse, low-income mothers across the United States. Perceived safety from crime and living near a park were associated with more frequent park use for mothers with their children, and neighborhood walkability was linked to longer park visits. However, only 40% of mothers lived within a 10-minute walk of a park, and overall perceptions of walkability and safety from crime were low. To enhance physical activity and health of low-income mothers with their children, investments are needed to close disparities in park access and improve neighborhood safety.

Parental Preference for Park Attributes Related to Children's Use of Parks in Low-Income, Racial/Ethnic Diverse Neighborhoods.

Public parks offer free and easy access to spaces for outdoor recreation, which is essential for children's outdoor play and physical activity in low-income communities. Because parks and playgrounds contribute to children's physical, social, and emotional development, it is critical to understand what makes them attractive and welcoming for families with young children. Parents can be a key determinant to children visiting parks, with their preferences influencing whether or not families visit parks in their neighborhoods. Our study examined attributes associated with parental preferences for parks in low-income diverse communities in New York City, New York, and Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, USA. Parents' responses were grouped into 10 categories using content analysis, with four key preference themes identified: physical attributes, experiences, social environment, and amenities. Physical attributes (i.e., playgrounds, sports fields, green spaces) were most desired among all groups. A significant difference across race/ethnic groups was found in New York but not in Raleigh-Durham. In New York, Latino parents had a strong preference for experience attributes (i.e. safety, safe facilities, cleanliness), which differed from other groups. Examining only Latino parents across both cities, we found no significant difference in preferences between the two cities. Although there is no one-size-fits-all approach to encourage park use, our finding suggests facilities and park safety are modifiable ways local government agencies could design and maintain parks that would be preferred by parents for their children. Future research should examine how neighborhood context may influence parent preferences related to parks.

Neighborhood characteristics associated with park use and park-based physical activity among children in low-income diverse neighborhoods in New York City.

Urban parks provide spaces and facilities for children's physical activity (PA) and can be a free resource in low-income communities. This study examined whether neighborhood characteristics were associated with children's park use and park-based moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) in low-income diverse communities and how associations differed between ethnic groups. Data on park visits and MVPA came from 16,402 children 5-10-years old directly observed using the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities in 20 parks in low-income neighborhoods with majority Latino or Asian populations in New York City. Neighborhood characteristics included land use mix (LUM), street audits, crime rates, and an area deprivation index. We employed Poisson and negative binomial models to estimate effects of neighborhood-level variables on the number of children observed in parks and engaging in MVPA, overall and by ethnicity. Results for Asian, Latino, and African American children indicated that higher levels of LUM and pedestrian-friendly streets were associated with greater numbers of children in parks and higher MVPA across all three groups. For Asian and Latino children only, quality of environment was positively associated with MVPA, whereas level of deprivation and crime rates in the surrounding neighborhood were negatively associated with children's park-based MVPA. In contrast, a park's access to public transportation was negatively associated with number of all children observed and engaging in MVPA. Study findings suggest that park-based MVPA interventions can be informed by understanding how neighborhood characteristics facilitate and constrain park use and park-based MVPA.

Use of SOPARC to assess physical activity in parks: do race/ethnicity, contextual conditions, and settings of the target area, affect reliability?

BACKGROUND: Since its introduction in 2006, SOPARC (Systematic Observation of Play and Recreation in Communities) has become a fundamental tool to quantify park visitor behaviors and characteristics. We tested SOPARC reliability when assessing race/ethnicity, physical activity, contextual conditions at the time of observation, and settings of target areas to understand its utility when trying to account for individual characteristics of users. METHODS: We used 4725 SOPARC observations completed simultaneously by two independent observers to evaluate intraclass correlation and agreement rate between the two observers when trying to assess sex, age group, race/ethnicity, and level of physical activity of urban park users in different park settings. Observations were in 20 New York City parks during Spring and Summer 2017 within the PARC3 project. RESULTS: Observers counted 25,765 park users with high interobserver reliability (ICC = .94; %Agreement.75). Reliability scores were negatively affected by the population being observed, the intensity of physical activity, and the contextual conditions and settings of the target area at the time of observation. Specific challenges emerged when assessing the combination of physical activity and race/ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS: SOPARC training should aim to improve reliability when assessing concurrent measures such as physical activity, race/ethnicity, age, and sex. Similarly, observing crowded park areas with many active users areas may require more observation practice hours.

Characteristics of the built environment on GPS-determined bicycle routes used by adolescents / Características do ambiente construído nas rotas de bicicleta determinadas por GPS utilizadas pelos adolescentes

The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of the routes used for cycling according to gender on a sample of adolescents from the city of Curitiba, Brazil. The study was conducted in 2013 with 147 adolescents aged 12 to 17 years, who wore accelerometer and Global Positioning System receivers to assess physical activity and geographic locations. A total of 38 participants (50.0% girls) presented at least one bicycle route and were included in the analytic sample. A total of 386 routes were identified. Nearly all routes included public transportation facilities, plazas, and parcels with residential, retail, food or recreational land use (> 97.0%) while bike lanes/paths (62.7%) and Fitness Zones were less frequent (71.8%). Bus rapid transit (BRT) stations, parks and vacant lots were the least frequent feature in the routes (37.3%; 17.1%; and 7.5%, respectively). Routes used by girls had fewer vacant lots (3.9%; p = 0.001) and more residential, retail, food services, and recreational uses (99.6%; p = 0.003; 99.1%; p = 0.011; 98.7%; p = 0.030, respectively) than those used by boys. The findings suggest that the routes used by adolescents have mixed and diverse land use and girls ride along routes with greater bicycling and service infrastructure and less physical disorder than boys

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar as características das rotas utilizadas para o uso de bicicleta de acordo com o sexo em uma amostra de adolescentes da cidade de Curitiba, Brasil. O estudo foi realizado em 2013 com 147 adolescentes de 12 a 17 anos, que usaram acelerômetro e receptores de Sistema de Posicionamento Global para avaliar a atividade física e a localização geográfica. Um total de 38 participantes (50,0% meninas) apresentaram pelo menos uma rota em bicicleta e, por isso, foram incluídos na amostra analítica. Foram identificadas 386 rotas. Quase todas as rotas incluíam meios de transporte público, praças e áreas residencial, comercial, de alimentos ou de lazer (> 97,0%), enquanto ciclovias (62,7%) e academias ao ar livre eram menos frequentes (71,8%). As estações de ônibus de transporte rápido (BRT), parques e terrenos vazios foram as menos frequentes nas rotas (37,3%; 17,1%; e 7,5%, respectivamente). As rotas utilizadas pelas me-ninas tiveram menos terrenos vazios (3,9%; p = 0,001) e mais residenciais, varejo, serviços de alimentação e recreação (99,6% ; p = 0,003; 99,1%; p = 0,011; 98,7%; p = 0,030, respectivamente) quando comparado com meninos. Os resultados sugerem que as rotas utilizadas pelos adolescentes têm uso misto e diversificado do solo e que meninas trafegam por rotas com maior infraestrutura de bicicleta e serviços e menos terrenos vazios quando comparado com meninos

How Does Park Use and Physical Activity Differ between Childhood and Adolescence? A Focus on Gender and Race-Ethnicity.

Physical activity typically declines between childhood and adolescence. Despite urban parks being a great venue for physical activity, children change both the frequency of park use and their park use habits as they age into adolescence. However, little is known about how these differences vary by gender and how distinct race/ethnicity groups differentially change their park habits. This study analyzed the differences in park use and per capita energy expenditure between children and teenagers of different gender and race/ethnicity backgrounds. Using the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC), systematic observations were conducted in 20 New York City parks in 2017, located in low-income areas with high presence of Latino or Asian residents. A total of 9963 scans in 167 distinct target areas counted 16,602 children (5-10 years old) and 11,269 teenagers (11 or older). Using adjusted marginal means, we estimated the number of park users of each age range, gender, and race/ethnicity expected to be found in each park activity setting. Teenagers of both genders and most race/ethnicity groups were less likely to be in a park and had lower per capita energy expenditure, compared with children. The difference in park attendance was greater than the difference in per capita energy expenditure. Dissimilarities were clearly gendered and race/ethnicity dependent. Asian and Latino females showed the greatest divergence between childhood and adolescence. African American boys were the only group to show a positive age contrast in park attendance and per capita energy expenditure.

Short-term associations between objective crime, park-use, and park-based physical activity in low-income neighborhoods.

Crime and safety perceptions are commonly cited barriers to park use and physical activity (PA). Given the importance of parks as settings for outdoor recreation and physical activity, the presence of crime may have a detrimental effect on public health. This study uses objective police crime reports and observational park use data to assess type of crime and the time when the crime was committed effects on park user behaviors in 20 parks located in low-income neighborhoods in New York City. The System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) was used to assess the number of park users and their physical activity during 78 park visits in Spring 2017. The association between crime rates and park use was assessed using two types of crimes (violent and property crimes). The timing of the crime was assessed using the crimes committed within periods of one week, one month, and three months prior to the visit to the park. By including objective measures of crime together with the exact time on which they were committed, we were able to analyze the short and long term effects of crime on park behavior. Overall, there was a consistent negative association between crime and park use. This relationship was stronger at the 1 month and 3 months' period and weaker at the 1-week period. Violent crimes were strongly associated with lower park use, and crimes proved to be associated with child park use to a greater degree. Girls were more affected by crime than boys.

Association Between Neighborhood Income, Patterns of Use, and Physical Activity Levels in Fitness Zones of Curitiba, Brazil.

Background: Socioeconomic characteristics of locations where physical activity equipment is installed may affect the activity level of users. The purpose of this study was to verify patterns of use and physical activity levels in fitness zones installed in low- and high-income neighborhoods in the city of Curitiba, Brazil. Methods: Over 1200 observations were conducted in 20 fitness zones in the city of Curitiba, Brazil. Data were collected during the months of November and December 2012, in 4 periods of the day (8 AM, 11 AM, 2 PM, and 5 PM), on 2 weekdays and 2 weekend days. Results: A total of 2232 people were observed in the fitness zones. Age group, level of physical activity in the area, use of fitness zones during weekend days, and occupation of spaces were significantly associated with neighborhood income. Moreover, users of fitness zones located in high-income neighborhoods showed higher odds ratio (OR = 1.74; 95% confidence interval, 1.46-2.07) of moderate to vigorous physical activity than light or sedentary activities, regardless of gender or day of the week. Conclusions: The sole presence of equipment does not seem to favor the use of fitness zones in low-income neighborhoods. Future studies should investigate intrinsic factors for the use of fitness zones for physical activity.

Distance to fitness zone, use of facilities and physical activity in adults / Distância até as academias ao ar livre, uso das estruturas e atividade física em adultos / Distancia a los gimnasios al aire libre, uso de las estructuras y actividad física de adultos

ABSTRACT Introduction: The characteristics of the built environment are important predictors of physically active behavior. In this regard, the presence, availability, access to and quality of public open spaces for physical activity close to home are positively associated with their use and higher levels of physical activity in the population. Objective: To analyze the association between distance from home to outdoor fitness zones with the use of these facilities and physical activity in adults from Curitiba, Brazil. Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted with 328 users of 20 outdoor fitness zones. Distance was calculated with the Geographic Information System (GIS) using the street network in ArcGIS 10.1 and classified in tertiles (≤854 meters; 855-1741 meters; ≥1742 meters). To assess the use of the facilities, three attributes were considered: weekly frequency (times/week), length of stay (minutes/day) and length of use (months). The leisure module of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) assessed physical activity, and travel to the destination was classified as "passive" or "active". The association was tested using Poisson regression in STATA 12.0. Results: An inverse association was found between the upper tertile of distance from home to the outdoor fitness zones and active commuting (PR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.51-0.97), and ≥31 min/day length of stay (PR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.31-0.76). Conclusion: Reducing distances and increasing the number of facilities may increase physical activity through active commuting and length of stay at outdoor fitness zones.

RESUMO Introdução: As características do ambiente construído são importantes preditores do comportamento fisicamente ativo. Nesse sentido, a presença, a disponibilidade, o acesso e a qualidade dos espaços públicos abertos para a atividade física próximos à residência são positivamente associados a seu uso e a maiores níveis de atividade física da população. Objetivo: Analisar a associação entre a distância da residência até as academias ao ar livre com o uso destas estruturas e a prática de atividades físicas em adultos de Curitiba, Brasil. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado com 328 frequentadores de 20 academias ao ar livre. A distância foi calculada com o Sistema de Informação Geográfica (SIG), utilizando a rede de ruas no software ArcGIS 10.1 e classificada em tercis (≤ 854 metros; 855-1.741 metros; ≥ 1.742 metros). O uso das academias ao ar livre foi avaliado com base em três indicadores: frequência semanal (vezes/semana), tempo de permanência (minutos/dia) e tempo de uso (meses). A atividade física foi avaliada com o módulo de lazer do International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) e o deslocamento até os locais foi classificado como "passivo" ou "ativo". A associação foi testada com a regressão de Poisson no STATA 12.0. Resultados: Foi verificada associação inversa entre o tercil superior de distância da residência até as academias ao ar livre com o deslocamento ativo (RP: 0,70; IC95%: 0,51-0,97) e o tempo de permanência ≥ 31 min/dia nesses locais (RP: 0,49; IC95%: 0,31-0,76). Conclusões: Diminuir as distâncias e aumentar o número dessas estruturas facilitaria o deslocamento ativo e o tempo de permanência nesses locais para a prática de atividades físicas.

RESUMEN Introducción: Las características del ambiente construido son importantes predictores del comportamiento físicamente activo. En este sentido, la presencia, la disponibilidad, el acceso y la calidad de los espacios públicos abiertos para la actividad física cercanos a la residencia están positivamente asociados a su uso y a mayores niveles de actividad física de la población. Objetivo: Analizar la asociación entre la distancia de la residencia hasta los gimnasios al aire libre para usar esas estructuras y practicar actividades físicas de adultos de Curitiba, Brasil. Métodos: Estudio transversal realizado con 328 frecuentadores de 20 gimnasios al aire libre. La distancia fue calculada con el Sistema de Información Geográfica (SIG) utilizando la red de calles en el software ArcGIS 10.1 y clasificada en terciles (≤ 854 metros, 855-1.741 metros; ≥ 1.742 metros). El uso de los gimnasios al aire libre fue evaluado con base en tres indicadores: frecuencia semanal (veces/semana), tiempo de permanencia (minutos/día) y tiempo de uso (meses). La actividad física se evaluó con el módulo de ocio del International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) y el desplazamiento hasta los locales fue clasificado como "pasivo" o "activo". La asociación fue probada con la regresión de Poisson en STATA 12.0. Resultados: Se observó asociación inversa entre el tercil superior de distancia de la residencia hasta el gimnasio al aire libre con el desplazamiento activo (RP: 0,70; IC95%: 0,51-0,97) y el tiempo de permanencia ≥ 31 min/día en esos lugares (RP: 0,49; IC95%: 0,31-0,76). Conclusiones: Disminuir las distancias y aumentar el número de esas estructuras facilitaría el desplazamiento activo y el tiempo de permanencia en esos lugares para la práctica de actividades físicas.

Examining Motivations to Play Pokémon GO and Their Influence on Perceived Outcomes and Physical Activity.

BACKGROUND: Pokémon GO is the most played augmented reality game in history. With more than 44 million players at the peak of its popularity, the game has sparked interest on its effects on the young population's health. OBJECTIVE: This pilot study examined motivations to start playing Pokémon GO among a sample of US college students, and how motivations were associated with perceived outcomes of the playing experience and physical activity derived while playing. METHODS: In November 2016, we asked a sample of 47 US college students (all Pokémon GO players) to complete online surveys and install an ecological momentary assessment (EMA) tool and step counter on their smartphones. The EMA tool prompted a set of questions on playing behavior and physical activity, 3 times per day (12:00 PM, 7:00 PM, and 10:00 PM), for 7 days. We used a factorial analysis to identify 3 distinctive groups of players based on their motivations to start playing Pokémon GO. We tested differences across motivation groups related to 5 unique outcomes using 1-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: We extracted 3 interpretable factors from the clustering of motivations to start playing Pokémon GO: Pokémon and video game fans (n=26, 55% of the sample), physical activity seekers (n=8, 17%), and curious & social (n=13, 28%). The clusters differed significantly on the enjoyment of different aspects of the game, particularly battling, discovering new places, and meeting new people, as well as differences in agreement that playing improved mood and made them more social. Days when playing Pokémon GO were associated with higher number of steps reported at the end of the day, especially among physical activity seekers, but also for Pokémon and video game fans. All groups perceived traffic as a major threat to playing. CONCLUSIONS: Days during which Pokémon GO was played were positively associated with a set of beneficial health behaviors, including higher physical activity levels, more socialization, and better mood. Results, however, depended on personal motivations and expectations when joining the game. These results highlight the importance of taking motivation into account when attempting to extract conclusions from the Pokémon GO phenomenon to enhance future exergames' designs or health interventions.

Use of global positioning system for physical activity research in youth: ESPAÇOS Adolescentes, Brazil.

The built environment is an important factor associated with physical activity and sedentary behavior (SB) during adolescence. This study presents the methods for objective assessment of context-specific moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and SB, as well as describes results from the first project using such methodology in adolescents from a developing country. An initial sample of 381 adolescents was recruited from 32 census tracts in Curitiba, Brazil (2013); 80 had their homes geocoded and wore accelerometer and GPS devices for seven days. Four domains were defined as important contexts: home, school, transport and leisure. The majority of participants (n=80) were boys (46; 57.5%), with a normal BMI (52; 65.0%) and a mean age (SD) of 14.5 (5.5) years. Adolescents spent most of their time at home, engaging in SB. Overall, the largest proportion of MVPA was while in transport (17.1% of time spent in this context) and SB while in leisure (188.6min per day). Participants engaged in MVPA for a median of 28.7 (IQR 18.2-43.2) and 17.9 (IQR 9.2-32.1) minutes during week and weekend days, respectively. Participants spent most of their day in the leisure and home domains. The use of Geographic Information System (GIS), Global Positioning System (GPS) and accelerometer data allowed objective identification of the amount of time spent in MVPA and SB in four different domains. Though the combination of objective measures is still an emerging methodology, this is a promising and feasible approach to understanding interactions between people and their environments in developing countries.

FATORES ASSOCIADOS À OCORRÊNCIA DE LESÕES DURANTE A PRÁTICA DE ATIVIDADE FÍSICA EM ACADEMIAS AO AR LIVRE / CORRELATES TO INJURIES DURING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PRACTICE AT FITNESS ZONES / FACTORES ASOCIADOS A LA APARICIÓN DE LESIONES DURANTE ACTIVIDAD FISICA EN GIMNASIOS AL AIRE LIBRE

RESUMO Introdução: Evidências apontam associação positiva entre a prática de atividades físicas e a ocorrência de lesões. No entanto, faltam estudos que tenham analisado essa ocorrência relacionada com as academias ao ar livre (AAL). Objetivo: Verificar os fatores associados à ocorrência de lesões durante a prática de atividades físicas nas academias ao ar livre em adultos de Curitiba-PR. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado em 2012, no qual foram entrevistados "in loco" 411 frequentadores (53,8% mulheres) de 20 AAL da cidade. A ocorrência de lesões foi autorreportada e a sua associação foi testada com variáveis individuais e sociodemográficas (sexo, faixa etária, situação conjugal, escolaridade, renda domiciliar, índice de massa corporal), prática de atividade física no lazer (caminhada e atividade física total) e características de uso das AAL (percepção de esforço, frequência semanal, tempo de permanência, meses de uso e orientação) com a regressão de Poisson no software STATA 12. Resultados: A ocorrência de lesões foi de 3,4% e as variáveis não foram associadas ao desfecho. Conclusão: A ocorrência de lesões é baixa e a prática de atividade física nesses equipamentos aparenta ser segura para a integridade física dos seus frequentadores.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Evidence suggests that there is a positive association between physical activity and injuries. However, few studies have examined this association in connection with the use of outdoor fitness zones (FZ) . Objective: To determine the association between injuries and physical activity among adults who use Fitness Zones (FZ) in the city of Curitiba, PR, Brazil. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2012, which involved interviews with 411 users (53.8% women) in loco at twenty FZ in Curitiba. Injuries were self-reported, and their association was tested with individual and sociodemographic variables (sex, age, marital status, schooling, household income, body mass index), leisure physical activity (walking and total physical activity) and characteristics of use of the FZ (perceived exertion, weekly frequency, time spent at the FZ, months of use, and guidance given). Poisson regression was applied, using the software STATA 12. Results: The rate of injuries was 3.4% and the variables tested were not associated with the outcome. Conclusion: The occurrence of injuries due to use of the FZ is low, and the physical activity conducted on this equipment appears to be safe for users.

RESUMEN Introducción: La evidencia sugiere una asociación positiva entre la actividad física y la aparición de lesiones. Sin embargo, hay pocos estudios que han examinado esta ocurrencia relacionada con gimnasios al aire libre (GAL). Objetivo: Evaluar los factores asociados con la aparición de lesiones durante la actividad física en gimnasios al aire libre (GAL) para adultos en Curitiba-PR. Métodos: Estudio transversal en el año 2012, en el que se entrevistaron 411 usuários "in loco" (53,8% mujeres) en 20 GAL de la ciudad. La aparición de lesiones fue evaluada por el auto-reporte y la asociación se puso a prueba con variables individuales y sociodemográficas (sexo, edad, estado civil, educación, ingreso familiar, índice de masa corporal), la actividad física en el tiempo libre (caminar y actividad física total) y las características de uso de GAL (esfuerzo percibido, frecuencia semanal, duración de la estancia, meses de uso y orientación) con la regresión de Poisson en el software STATA 12. Resultados: La incidencia de lesiones fue de 3,4% y las variables no se asociaron con el resultado. Conclusión: La incidencia de lesiones es baja y ese tipo de equipo parece ser seguro para la integridad física de sus visitantes habituales.

De 2006 à 2014: a trajetória dos brasileiros no ICPAPH / From 2006 to 2014: the trajectory of Brazilians in the ICPAPH

A participação em eventos científicos é uma oportunidade para muitos pesquisadores trocarem experiências, ideias e criarem parcerias. Com o objetivo de ampliar a discussão sobre questões relacionadas à atividade física e saúde pública, foi criado o International Congress on Physical Activity and Public Health (ICPAPH). A pesquisa epidemiológica em atividade física e saúde cresce no Brasil, assim como a participação de brasileiros em sociedades e eventos internacionais. O objetivo deste estudo é descrever a participação de brasileiros em todas as edições do ICPAPH realizadas até 2014, ano em que o evento foi realizado no Brasil. Através da análise dos anais dos congressos, assim como informações obtidas através dos presidentes de cada edição e relatos de brasileiros, observou-se que a participação do Brasil ocorre desde a primeira edição em 2006. Cerca de 2% da participação geral de palestrantes tem sido de brasileiros, assim como 5% das apresentações de trabalhos, com aumento dessas participações na edição realizada no Rio de Janeiro (14% e 40%, respectivamente), o que se esperava devido à grande participação de congressistas locais em todas as edições do evento (2006=68%, 2008=14%, 2010=48%, 2012=60% e 2014=32%). Sendo assim, apesar do crescimento na participação de brasileiros neste evento internacional, estratégias de incentivo à participação de pesquisadores brasileiros em outros eventos de discussão internacional e de fomento à pesquisa na área de atividade física e saúde pública devem ser elaboradas.

The participation in scientific events is an opportunity for many researchers to exchange experience, ideas and create partnerships. In order to broaden the discussion on issues related to physical activity and public health, the International Congress on Physical Activity and Public Health (ICPAPH) was created. Epidemiological research in physical activity and health is growing in Brazil, as well as the participation of Brazilians on international events. The aim of this study was to describe the participation of Brazilians in every edition of the ICPAPH until 2014, when the event was held in Brazil. Through the analysis of programs of previous conferences, as well as the contact with the presidents of each edition and participants from Brazil, we noticed a participation from Brazilians since the very first edition, in 2006. Close to 2% of speakers and 5% of abstracts have been presented by Brazilian, with more participation in the event in Rio de Janeiro (14% and 40%, respectively), what was expected due to a large participation of locals in every edition of the event (2006=68%, 2008=14%, 2010=48%, 2012=60% and 2014=32%). Therefore, even though the participation of Brazilians has been growing, it is necessary to create strategies to increase Brazilian participation in international debates and financing for research in the field of physical activity and public health.