Cross-cultural adaptation of the Brazilian-Portuguese version of the Perceived Nutrition Environment Measures Survey / Adaptação transcultural da versão brasileira do Perceived Nutrition Environment Measures Survey

ABSTRACT Objective The objective of this study was to cross-culturally adapt the Perceived Nutrition Environment Measures Survey for use in the Brazilian context. Methods Independent translations into Portuguese of the original version and respective back-translations into English were performed. The steps were evaluated by an expert committee and the translated version was applied in a group of both genders, of different ages and education. Results After suggested modifications in the translation processes, the expert committee considered that the translated and adapted version presented conceptual and semantic equivalence. The translated version was applied to a sample of twenty people and only one question related to the amount of fat in the food required a new round to obtain understanding and clarity. Conclusion We present an adapted version of Perceived Nutrition Environment Measures Survey for the Brazilian context, which has adequate conceptual, cultural, and semantic equivalence, being objective and comparable to the original version. Future studies should confirm clarity, reliability, and validity.

RESUMO Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi adaptar transculturalmente o Perceived Nutrition Environment Measures Survey para uso no contexto brasileiro. Métodos Foram realizadas traduções independentes da versão original para o português e respectivas retrotraduções para o inglês. As etapas foram avaliadas por um comitê de especialistas e a versão traduzida foi aplicada em um grupo com pacientes de ambos os sexos, de diferentes idades e níveis de escolaridade. Resultados Após modificações sugeridas nos processos de tradução, o comitê de especialistas considerou que a versão traduzida e adaptada apresentou equivalência conceitual e semântica. A versão traduzida foi aplicada a uma amostra de 20 pessoas e apenas uma questão, relacionada à quantidade de gordura no alimento, requereu nova rodada para obter compreensão e clareza. Conclusão Uma versão do Perceived Nutrition Environment Measures Survey adaptada ao contexto brasileiro, a qual possui equivalências conceitual, cultural e semântica adequadas, sendo objetiva e comparável à versão original, é apresentada. Futuros estudos devem confirmar a clareza, confiabilidade e validade.

Making sense of the natural antisense transcript puzzle.

In plants, thousands of genes are associated with antisense transcription, which often produces noncoding RNAs. Although widespread, sense-antisense pairs have been implicated in a limited variety of functions in plants and are often thought to form extensive dsRNA stretches triggering gene silencing. In this opinion, we show that evidence does not support gene silencing as a major role for antisense transcription. In fact, it is more likely that antisense transcripts play diverse functions in gene regulation. We propose a general framework for the initial functional dissection of antisense transcripts, suggesting testable hypotheses relying on an experiment-based decision tree. By moving beyond the gene silencing paradigm, we argue that a broad and diverse role for natural antisense transcription will emerge.

Characteristics of the schools' surrounding environment, distance from home and active commuting in adolescents from Curitiba, Brazil. / Características do ambiente no entorno de escolas, distância da residência e deslocamento ativo em adolescentes de Curitiba, Brasil.

INTRODUCTION: Active commuting to school could help increasing physical activity levels among adolescents. However, there is limited understanding on how the relationship between the environment in school surroundings, as well the distance to school, could affect this behavior. AIM: To analyze the characteristics of the environment and distance between house and school with objective measures and their association with active commuting between adolescents of Curitiba, Brazil. METHODS: 493 adolescents were interviewed and 124 schools evaluated. The study variables included the schools' surroundings accessibility characteristics obtained through systematic observation, and the distance between home to school was determined through Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data. RESULTS: The presence of "safety signs" was inversely associated with active commuting (PR = 0.78; 95%CI 0.67-0.91; p = 0.003), as well distance 1,501-3,000 m (PR = 0.53; 95%CI 0.40 - 0.71; p < 0.001) and ≥ 3,501 m (PR 0.29; 95%CI 0.18 - 0.45; p < 0.001). Overall, schools' surroundings showed walking friendly characteristics. CONCLUSION: Traffic safety and distance to school were associated with active commuting to school among the study participants. Policies aiming at integrating access to school and traffic safety could help to promoting active commuting among adolescents.

Características do ambiente no entorno de escolas, distância da residência e deslocamento ativo em adolescentes de Curitiba, Brasil / Characteristics of the schools' surrounding environment, distance from home and active commuting in adolescents from Curitiba, Brazil

RESUMO: Introdução: A prática de deslocamento ativo para a escola pode ser uma maneira de aumentar a atividade física entre os adolescentes, no entanto pouco se sabe sobre o ambiente no entorno das escolas, bem como a distância até a escola pode afetar esse comportamento. Objetivo: Analisar a associação entre as características do ambiente no entorno da escola, a distância da residência e o deslocamento ativo de adolescentes de Curitiba, Brasil. Métodos: Quatrocentos e noventa e três adolescentes foram entrevistados e 124 escolas foram avaliadas. As variáveis do estudo incluíram as características de acessibilidade no entorno da escola por observação sistemática e a distância da residência até a escola por Sistemas de Informações Geográficas (SIG). Resultados: A presença de "placas de segurança" (RP = 0,78; IC95% 0,66 - 0,91; p = 0,003) apresentou associação inversa ao deslocamento ativo dos adolescentes, bem como as distâncias 1.500-3.500 m (RP = 0,53; IC95% 0,40 - 0,71; p < 0,001) e ≥ 3.501 m (RP = 0,29; IC95% 0,18 - 0,45; p < 0,001). No geral, o entorno das escolas se mostrou favorável à caminhada. Conclusão: A segurança no trânsito e a distância entre a escola e a residência associaram-se com o deslocamento ativo entre adolescentes do estudo. Políticas que integrem acesso a escolas próximas à residência e segurança no trânsito podem contribuir para o incentivo ao deslocamento ativo até a escola entre adolescentes.

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Active commuting to school could help increasing physical activity levels among adolescents. However, there is limited understanding on how the relationship between the environment in school surroundings, as well the distance to school, could affect this behavior. Aim: To analyze the characteristics of the environment and distance between house and school with objective measures and their association with active commuting between adolescents of Curitiba, Brazil. Methods: 493 adolescents were interviewed and 124 schools evaluated. The study variables included the schools' surroundings accessibility characteristics obtained through systematic observation, and the distance between home to school was determined through Geographic Information Systems (GIS) data. Results: The presence of "safety signs" was inversely associated with active commuting (PR = 0.78; 95%CI 0.67-0.91; p = 0.003), as well distance 1,501-3,000 m (PR = 0.53; 95%CI 0.40 - 0.71; p < 0.001) and ≥ 3,501 m (PR 0.29; 95%CI 0.18 - 0.45; p < 0.001). Overall, schools' surroundings showed walking friendly characteristics. Conclusion: Traffic safety and distance to school were associated with active commuting to school among the study participants. Policies aiming at integrating access to school and traffic safety could help to promoting active commuting among adolescents.

[Accessibility to public spaces for leisure and physical activity in adults in Curitiba, Paraná State, Brazil]. / Acessibilidade a espaços públicos de lazer e atividade física em adultos de Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil.

The study aimed to analyze the association between accessibility to public spaces for leisure activities, availability of equipment for physical exercise in these spaces, and leisure-time physical activity (PA) in adults. A household survey was conducted with 699 adults from 32 census tracts selected according to income and "walkability". Accessibility to public spaces for leisure activities was determined by geoprocessing according to proximity to public spaces for leisure activities and the amount of such spaces within radiuses of 500 and 1,000 meters around the participants' homes. Presence of equipment for physical exercise in these public spaces was assessed by the observation method and classified as: (a) without equipment for physical exercise; (b) with equipment for physical exercise; (c) equipment for physical exercise for adults; and (d) with three or more pieces of equipment for physical exercise. PA was self-reported, and walking was analyzed separately from moderate-vigorous PA, classified in two levels (≥ 10 minutes/week and ≥ 150 minutes/week). The amount of public spaces for leisure activities in a 500-meter radius with one or more pieces of equipment for physical exercise was negatively associated with walking (OR = 0.84, based on ≥ 150 minutes/week). The amount of public spaces for leisure activities in a 1,000-meter radius was positively associated with moderate-vigorous PA (OR = 1.03). The distance to a public space for leisure activities with three or more pieces of equipment for physical exercise (OR = 0.95) was inversely associated with moderate-vigorous PA. Proximity and amount of public spaces for leisure activities are associated with higher levels of moderate-vigorous PA in adults. The combination of methods can help reveal the contribution that access to (and quality of) public spaces for leisure activities can make to PA.

O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a associação entre acessibilidade a espaços públicos de lazer, disponibilidade de equipamentos para atividade física (AF) nestes locais e a prática de atividade física no lazer em adultos. Foi conduzido um inquérito domiciliar com 699 adultos de 32 setores censitários selecionados segundo a renda e "walkability". A acessibilidade a espaços públicos de lazer foi determinada por geoprocessamento segundo a proximidade até os espaços e a quantidade de espaços públicos de lazer contidos nos raios de 500 e 1.000 metros no entorno dos domicílios dos participantes. A presença de equipamentos para AF nos espaços públicos de lazer foi avaliada por método observacional e classificada em: (a) sem equipamento para AF; (b) com equipamento para AF; (c) equipamento para atividade física de adultos; e (d) com três ou mais equipamentos para AF. Essa atividade foi autorreportada e a caminhada analisada separadamente das atividades físicas de intensidade moderada a vigorosa sendo classificada em dois níveis (≥ 10 minutos/semana e ≥ 150 minutos/semana). A quantidade de espaços públicos de lazer, em um raio de 500 metros, com um ou mais equipamentos para AF foi negativamente associada com a prática da caminhada (OR = 0,84, considerando ≥ 150 minutos/semana). A quantidade de espaços públicos de lazer em um raio de 1.000 metros foi positivamente associada com atividades físicas de intensidade moderada a vigorosa (OR = 1,03). A distância até espaços públicos de lazer com três ou mais equipamentos para AF (OR = 0,95) foi inversamente relacionada com atividades físicas de intensidade moderada a vigorosa. A proximidade e a quantidade de espaços públicos de lazer estão associadas com maiores níveis de AF de intensidade moderada a vigorosa de adultos. A combinação de métodos de avaliação pode ajudar a revelar a contribuição que o acesso e a qualidade dos espaços públicos de lazer podem ter para a AF.

El objetivo del estudio fue analizar la asociación entre accesibilidad a espacios públicos de ocio, disponibilidad de equipamientos para actividad física (AF) en estos lugares, y la práctica de actividad física durante el ocio en adultos. Se realizó una encuesta domiciliaria con 699 adultos de 32 sectores censitarios, seleccionados según su renta y "walkability" (transitabilidad). La accesibilidad a los espacios públicos de ocio se determinó mediante geoprocesamiento, conforme la proximidad hasta los espacios públicos de ocio y la cantidad de espacios públicos de ocio contenidos en un radio de 500 y 1.000 metros alrededor de los domicilios de los participantes. La presencia de equipamientos para AF en los espacios públicos de ocio se evaluó mediante el método observacional, y fue clasificado en: (a) sin equipamiento para AF; (b) con equipamiento para AF; (c) equipamiento para AF para adultos; e incluso (d) con tres o más equipamientos para AF. La AF fue autoinformada y las caminatas fueron analizadas separadamente de las AF de intensidad moderada a vigorosa, estando clasificadas en dos niveles (≥ 10 minutos/semana y ≥ 150 minutos/semana). La cantidad de espacios públicos de ocio, en un radio de 500 metros, con uno o más equipamientos para AF estuvo negativamente asociada con la realización de caminatas (OR = 0,84, considerando ≥ 150 minutos/semana). La cantidad de espacios públicos de ocio en un radio de 1000 metros estuvo positivamente asociada con AF de intensidad moderada a vigorosa (OR = 1,03). La distancia hasta espacios públicos de ocio con tres o más equipamientos para actividad física (OR = 0,95) estuvo inversamente relacionada con actividades físicas de intensidad moderada a vigorosa. La proximidad y la cantidad de espacios públicos de ocio están asociadas con mayores niveles de AF de intensidad moderada a vigorosa de adultos. La combinación de métodos de evaluación puede ayudar a revelar la contribución que el acceso y la calidad de los espacios públicos de ocio pueden tener para la AF.

Public open spaces and physical activity: disparities of resources in Florianópolis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between sociodemographic characteristics of census tracts and the presence/quality of public open spaces and physical activity facilities. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 643 census tracts in Florianópolis, Brazil, the presence and quality of public open spaces and physical activity facilities were objectively analyzed and the data by census tracts using Geographic Information Systems was treated. Outcomes were analyzed considering the census tracts as having: ≥ 1 public open spaces; ≥ 1 public open spaces with high quality; ≥ 2 physical activity facilities and high-quality physical activity facilities. Sociodemographic characteristics were the independent variables. Logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: Census tracts with a medium-income (OR = 1.8; 95%CI 1.1-3.0) and high-income (OR = 2.4; 95%CI 1.4-4.0), in those with medium (OR = 1.7; 95%CI 1.0-2.7) and high residential density (OR = 2.0; 95%CI 1,2-3.3), and with higher proportions of older adults (OR = 3.3; 95%CI 1.9-5.7) had a higher proportion of public open spaces. Census tracts with higher proportions of children/adolescents (OR = 0.3; 95%CI 0.2-0.6) and non-white residents (OR= 0.6; 95%CI 0.3-0.9) were less likely to contain public open spaces. The tracts with medium (OR = 4.0; 95%CI 1.4-11.3) and high-income (OR = 3.6; 95%CI 1.2-10.2) were more likely to contain public open spaces with ≥ 2 structures for physical activity, compared with those with low-income. We observed the inverse in sectors with a high proportion of non-white residents (OR = 0.3; 95%CI 0.1-0.9). CONCLUSIONS: Census tracts with higher proportions of children or adolescents, non-white individuals and those in the low-income strata had lower odds of containing public open spaces and physical activity facilities.

Do associations of sex, age and education with transport and leisure-time physical activity differ across 17 cities in 12 countries?

BACKGROUND: Leisure-time and transport activity domains are studied most often because they are considered more amenable to intervention, but to date evidence on these domains is limited. The aim of the present study was to examine patterns of socio-demographic correlates of adults' leisure-time and transport physical activity and how these associations varied across 17 cities in 12 countries. METHODS: Participants (N = 13,745) aged 18-66 years in the IPEN Adult study and with complete data on socio-demographic and self-reported physical activity characteristics were included. Participants reported frequency and duration of leisure-time and transport activities in the last 7 days using the self-administered International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Long Form. Six physical activity outcomes were examined in relation with age, education, and sex, and analyses explored variations by city and curvilinear associations. RESULTS: Sex had the most consistent results, with five of six physical activity outcomes showing females were less active than males. Age had the most complex associations with self-report transport and leisure-time physical activity. Compared to older people, younger adults were less likely to engage in transport physical activity, but among those who did, younger people were likely to engage in more active minutes. Curvilinear associations were found between age and all three leisure-time physical activity outcomes, with the youngest and the oldest being more active. Positive associations with education were found for leisure-time physical activity only. There were significant interactions of city with sex and education for multiple physical activity outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Although socio-demographic correlates of physical activity are widely studied, the present results provide new information. City-specific findings suggest there will be value in conducting more detailed case studies. The curvilinear associations of age with leisure-time physical activity as well as significant interactions of leisure-time activity with sex and education should be further investigated. The findings of lower leisure-time physical activity among females as well as people with low education suggest that greater and continued efforts in physical activity policies and programs tailored to these high-risk groups are needed internationally.

Exergames in adolescents: associated factors and possible reduction in sedentary time / Uso de exergames em adolescentes: fatores associados e possibilidade de redução do tempo sedentário

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the use of exergames, associated factors and to quantify the time attributed to the use of exergames within the time spent on video games in a sample of adolescents from Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study that evaluated frequency and weekly volume of physical activities using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents. Weekly frequency and daily time of use of exergames and videogames were self-reported. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests were used to compare the time spent playing exergames, and Poisson regression was used to test the associations (p<0.05). Results: 495 adolescents were interviewed (51.3% girls), predominantly aged between 12 and 13 years (41.3%), under/normal weight (60.4%), medium socioeconomic status (39.8 %) and from public schools (69.3%). Most of the participants did not have video games in their bedroom (74.3%) and did not reach recommended levels of physical activity (55.5%). One in five adolescents used exergames (16.4%). Age (RP: 0.54; 95%CI 0.30-0.97, p=0.039) and having a console in the bedroom (RP: 1.89; 95%CI 1.27- 2.81, p=0.002) were associated with exergame use. Male sex (X_: 195.0; AIQ: 486.3; p=0.024) practice of leisure time physical activity (X_: 160.0; AIQ: 350.0; p=0.048) were associated with weekly volume of exergame use. Conclusions: Overall, less than two out of ten adolescents used exergames, and the use was higher among young adolescents and those who had a console in their bedrooms. Volume of use was higher among boys and those performing more than five hours of leisure time physical activity per week. In addition, a considerable part of the time devoted to the use of video games, was in fact, destined to the use of exergames.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever o uso de exergames, os fatores associados e quantificar o tempo atribuído ao uso de exergames dentro do tempo total de uso de videogames em uma amostra de adolescentes de Curitiba, Paraná. Métodos: Estudo com delineamento transversal no qual a frequência e o volume semanal de atividades físicas foram avaliados com o Questionário de Atividade Física para Adolescentes. A frequência semanal e o tempo diário de uso de exergames e de videogames foram autorreportados. Os testes U de Mann-Whitney e Kruskal-Wallis compararam o tempo de uso dos exergames; e a regressão de Poisson, as associações (p<0,05). Resultados: Foram entrevistados 495 adolescentes (51,3% meninas), predominantemente com idade entre 12 e 13 anos (41,3%), baixo peso/normal (60,4%), nível socioeconômico médio (39,8%) e de escolas públicas (69,3%). A maioria não possuía videogame no quarto (74,3%) e não cumpria a recomendação de atividade física (55,5%). Um em cada cinco adolescentes usava exergames (16,4%). A idade (razão de prevalência [RP] 0,54; intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%] 0,30-0,97; p=0,039) e a posse de videogames no quarto (RP 1,89; IC95% 1,27-2,81; p=0,002) foram associadas com o uso. Ainda, o sexo masculino (X_: 195,0; AIQ: 486,3; p=0,024) e a prática de atividade física no lazer (X_: 160,0; AIQ: 350,0; p=0,048) apresentaram associação com o volume semanal. Conclusões: Ao todo, menos de dois em cada dez adolescentes utilizam exergames, sendo a frequência maior entre os mais novos e que possuem consoles de jogos nos quartos. O volume de uso é maior entre os meninos e entre adolescentes que praticam mais do que cinco horas de atividades físicas de lazer na semana. Além disso, parte considerável do tempo destinado ao uso de videogames foi, na realidade, destinada ao uso de exergames.

EXERGAMES IN ADOLESCENTS: ASSOCIATED FACTORS AND POSSIBLE REDUCTION IN SEDENTARY TIME.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of exergames, associated factors and to quantify the time attributed to the use of exergames within the time spent on video games in a sample of adolescents from Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study that evaluated frequency and weekly volume of physical activities using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents. Weekly frequency and daily time of use of exergames and videogames were self-reported. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal Wallis tests were used to compare the time spent playing exergames, and Poisson regression was used to test the associations (p<0.05). RESULTS: 495 adolescents were interviewed (51.3% girls), predominantly aged between 12 and 13 years (41.3%), under/normal weight (60.4%), medium socioeconomic status (39.8 %) and from public schools (69.3%). Most of the participants did not have video games in their bedroom (74.3%) and did not reach recommended levels of physical activity (55.5%). One in five adolescents used exergames (16.4%). Age (RP: 0.54; 95%CI 0.30-0.97, p=0.039) and having a console in the bedroom (RP: 1.89; 95%CI 1.27- 2.81, p=0.002) were associated with exergame use. Male sex (X_: 195.0; AIQ: 486.3; p=0.024) practice of leisure time physical activity (X_: 160.0; AIQ: 350.0; p=0.048) were associated with weekly volume of exergame use. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, less than two out of ten adolescents used exergames, and the use was higher among young adolescents and those who had a console in their bedrooms. Volume of use was higher among boys and those performing more than five hours of leisure time physical activity per week. In addition, a considerable part of the time devoted to the use of video games, was in fact, destined to the use of exergames.

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

Characterization of physical activities performed by adolescents from curitiba, brazil / Caracterização das atividades físicas realizadas por adolescentes de curitiba, brasil / Caracterización de las actividades físicas realizadas por adolescentes de curitiba, brasil

ABSTRACT Introduction Various studies have been developed and published in relation to the recommendations for physical activity and associated factors. However, there is a lack of studies that detail the places where physical activity is practiced, as well as its frequency, duration and volume. Objective To describe the places, types, frequency, duration and volume of physical activities performed by adolescents in Curitiba, Brazil. Methods A cross-sectional study conducted in 2013-2014, through a household survey with 495 adolescents (12 to 17 years). The places used, and the frequencies of the practice of physical activity were self-reported as either "goes" or "does not go." The practice of physical activity was determined through the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Adolescents, by type, frequency, duration and weekly volume. The types of physical activity were described with frequency distribution, weekly frequency, duration, and volume, by the median and interquartile range. Gender comparison was tested with the Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests (p<0.05). Results The most frequently reported places for physical activity were public squares, parks, soccer fields, schools and sports halls. Soccer fields, schools, sports halls and skate parks were more used by boys, while girls attended gyms (p<0.05). The physical activities most practiced were soccer, skating/rollerblading, cycling, walking and active games. A higher proportion of boys practiced soccer, skating/rollerblading, cycling, running/jogging, and basketball (p<0.05), whereas the physical activities most practiced by girls were walking, walking the dog, dancing, playing games, and gyms (p<0.05). Sports (720 min/week), aerobic exercises (400 min/week) and conditioning exercises (345 min/week) were the activities with the highest weekly volume. Boys showed higher weekly frequency, duration and volume of practice of sports and active games than girls (p<0.05). Conclusion Public places with structures were the most used places, and sports were the most practiced activities. Level of Evidence III; Study of nonconsecutive patients; without consistently applied ''gold'' reference standard.

RESUMO Introdução Vários estudos sobre as recomendações de atividade física e fatores associados têm sido desenvolvidos e publicados. No entanto, faltam estudos que detalhem os locais para prática de atividade físicas, além da frequência, duração e volume. Objetivo Descrever os locais, tipos, frequência, duração e volume das atividades físicas realizadas por adolescentes de Curitiba, Brasil. Métodos Estudo transversal realizado entre 2013-2014, por meio de inquérito domiciliar com 495 adolescentes (12 a 17 anos). Os locais para prática de atividades físicas foram autorrelatados de acordo com a frequência semanal e divididos em "não frequenta" e "frequenta". A prática de atividade física foi obtida por meio do Questionário de Atividade Física para Adolescentes por tipo, frequência, duração e volume semanal. Os tipos de atividade física foram descritos com a distribuição de frequências, e a frequência, a duração e o volume, pela mediana e amplitude interquartílica. A comparação entre os sexos foi realizada com os testes de Qui-quadrado e U de Mann-Whitney (p < 0,05). Resultados Os locais mais relatados para a prática foram praças, parques, campos de futebol, escolas e ginásios de esportes. Campos de futebol, escolas, ginásios e pistas de skate foram mais utilizados por meninos, enquanto meninas utilizavam mais as academias (p < 0,05). As atividades físicas mais praticadas foram futebol, skate/patins, ciclismo, caminhada e games ativos. Uma proporção maior de meninos praticavam futebol, skate/patins, ciclismo, corrida/trote e basquete (p<0,05) enquanto as meninas realizavam caminhada, passeio com cães, dança, jogos e brincadeiras e ginástica de academia (p < 0,05). Os esportes (720 min/semana), exercícios aeróbicos (400 min/semana) e de condicionamento (345 min/semana) foram as atividades com maior volume semanal. Os meninos apresentaram maior frequência, duração e volume de prática de esportes e games ativos do que as meninas (p < 0,05). Conclusão Locais públicos e com estruturas foram os mais utilizados e atividades esportivas as mais praticadas. Nível de Evidência III; Estudo de pacientes não consecutivos; sem padrão de referência "ouro" aplicado uniformemente.

RESUMEN Introducción Varios estudios sobre las recomendaciones de actividad física y factores asociados han sido desarrollados y publicados. Sin embargo, faltan estudios que detallan los lugares para la práctica actividad física, además de la frecuencia, la duración y el volumen. Objetivo Describir los lugares, tipos, frecuencia, duración y volumen de las actividades físicas realizadas por adolescentes de Curitiba, Brasil. Métodos Estudio transversal realizado entre 2013 y 2014, por medio de encuesta domiciliar con 495 adolescentes (12 a 17 años). Los locales para la práctica de actividades físicas fueron auto-relatados de acuerdo con la frecuencia semanal y divididos en "No frecuenta" y "frecuenta". La práctica de actividad física fue obtenida por medio del Cuestionario de Actividad Física para Adolescentes por tipo, frecuencia, duración y volumen semanal. Los tipos de actividad física fueron descritos con la distribución de frecuencias y la frecuencia semanal, la duración y el volumen, por la mediana y la amplitud interquartílica. La comparación entre los sexos se realizó con Qui-cuadrado y U de Mann-Whitney (p < 0,05). Resultados Los lugares más relatados fueron plazas, parques, campos de fútbol, escuelas y gimnasios de deportes. Los campos de fútbol, escuelas, gimnasios y pistas de skate fueron más utilizados por niños, mientras que las niñas utilizaban más gimnasios (p < 0,05). Las actividades físicas más practicadas fueron fútbol, skate/patines, ciclismo, caminata y juegos electrónicos activos. Una proporción mayor de niños practicaban fútbol, skate/patines, ciclismo, carrera/trote y baloncesto (p < 0,05), mientras las niñas realizaban caminata, pasear con perros, baile, juegos y juguetes y ejercicio en gimnasios (p < 0,05). Los deportes (720 min/semana), ejercicios aeróbicos (400 min/semana) y de acondicionamiento (345 min/semana) fueron las actividades con mayor volumen semanal. Los niños presentaron mayor frecuencia semanal, duración y volumen de práctica de deportes y juegos electrónicos activos que las niñas (p < 0,05). Conclusiones Lugares públicos y con estructuras fueron los más utilizados y las actividades deportivas fueron más practicadas. Nivel de evidencia III; Estudio de pacientes no consecutivos; sin el estándar de referencia 'oro' aplicado constantemente.

Acessibilidade a espaços públicos de lazer e atividade física em adultos de Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil / Accessibility to public spaces for leisure and physical activity in adults in Curitiba, Paraná State, Brazil / Accesibilidad a espacios públicos de ocio y actividad física en adultos de Curitiba, Paraná, Brasil

Resumo: O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a associação entre acessibilidade a espaços públicos de lazer, disponibilidade de equipamentos para atividade física (AF) nestes locais e a prática de atividade física no lazer em adultos. Foi conduzido um inquérito domiciliar com 699 adultos de 32 setores censitários selecionados segundo a renda e "walkability". A acessibilidade a espaços públicos de lazer foi determinada por geoprocessamento segundo a proximidade até os espaços e a quantidade de espaços públicos de lazer contidos nos raios de 500 e 1.000 metros no entorno dos domicílios dos participantes. A presença de equipamentos para AF nos espaços públicos de lazer foi avaliada por método observacional e classificada em: (a) sem equipamento para AF; (b) com equipamento para AF; (c) equipamento para atividade física de adultos; e (d) com três ou mais equipamentos para AF. Essa atividade foi autorreportada e a caminhada analisada separadamente das atividades físicas de intensidade moderada a vigorosa sendo classificada em dois níveis (≥ 10 minutos/semana e ≥ 150 minutos/semana). A quantidade de espaços públicos de lazer, em um raio de 500 metros, com um ou mais equipamentos para AF foi negativamente associada com a prática da caminhada (OR = 0,84, considerando ≥ 150 minutos/semana). A quantidade de espaços públicos de lazer em um raio de 1.000 metros foi positivamente associada com atividades físicas de intensidade moderada a vigorosa (OR = 1,03). A distância até espaços públicos de lazer com três ou mais equipamentos para AF (OR = 0,95) foi inversamente relacionada com atividades físicas de intensidade moderada a vigorosa. A proximidade e a quantidade de espaços públicos de lazer estão associadas com maiores níveis de AF de intensidade moderada a vigorosa de adultos. A combinação de métodos de avaliação pode ajudar a revelar a contribuição que o acesso e a qualidade dos espaços públicos de lazer podem ter para a AF.

Abstract: The study aimed to analyze the association between accessibility to public spaces for leisure activities, availability of equipment for physical exercise in these spaces, and leisure-time physical activity (PA) in adults. A household survey was conducted with 699 adults from 32 census tracts selected according to income and "walkability". Accessibility to public spaces for leisure activities was determined by geoprocessing according to proximity to public spaces for leisure activities and the amount of such spaces within radiuses of 500 and 1,000 meters around the participants' homes. Presence of equipment for physical exercise in these public spaces was assessed by the observation method and classified as: (a) without equipment for physical exercise; (b) with equipment for physical exercise; (c) equipment for physical exercise for adults; and (d) with three or more pieces of equipment for physical exercise. PA was self-reported, and walking was analyzed separately from moderate-vigorous PA, classified in two levels (≥ 10 minutes/week and ≥ 150 minutes/week). The amount of public spaces for leisure activities in a 500-meter radius with one or more pieces of equipment for physical exercise was negatively associated with walking (OR = 0.84, based on ≥ 150 minutes/week). The amount of public spaces for leisure activities in a 1,000-meter radius was positively associated with moderate-vigorous PA (OR = 1.03). The distance to a public space for leisure activities with three or more pieces of equipment for physical exercise (OR = 0.95) was inversely associated with moderate-vigorous PA. Proximity and amount of public spaces for leisure activities are associated with higher levels of moderate-vigorous PA in adults. The combination of methods can help reveal the contribution that access to (and quality of) public spaces for leisure activities can make to PA.

Resumen: El objetivo del estudio fue analizar la asociación entre accesibilidad a espacios públicos de ocio, disponibilidad de equipamientos para actividad física (AF) en estos lugares, y la práctica de actividad física durante el ocio en adultos. Se realizó una encuesta domiciliaria con 699 adultos de 32 sectores censitarios, seleccionados según su renta y "walkability" (transitabilidad). La accesibilidad a los espacios públicos de ocio se determinó mediante geoprocesamiento, conforme la proximidad hasta los espacios públicos de ocio y la cantidad de espacios públicos de ocio contenidos en un radio de 500 y 1.000 metros alrededor de los domicilios de los participantes. La presencia de equipamientos para AF en los espacios públicos de ocio se evaluó mediante el método observacional, y fue clasificado en: (a) sin equipamiento para AF; (b) con equipamiento para AF; (c) equipamiento para AF para adultos; e incluso (d) con tres o más equipamientos para AF. La AF fue autoinformada y las caminatas fueron analizadas separadamente de las AF de intensidad moderada a vigorosa, estando clasificadas en dos niveles (≥ 10 minutos/semana y ≥ 150 minutos/semana). La cantidad de espacios públicos de ocio, en un radio de 500 metros, con uno o más equipamientos para AF estuvo negativamente asociada con la realización de caminatas (OR = 0,84, considerando ≥ 150 minutos/semana). La cantidad de espacios públicos de ocio en un radio de 1000 metros estuvo positivamente asociada con AF de intensidad moderada a vigorosa (OR = 1,03). La distancia hasta espacios públicos de ocio con tres o más equipamientos para actividad física (OR = 0,95) estuvo inversamente relacionada con actividades físicas de intensidad moderada a vigorosa. La proximidad y la cantidad de espacios públicos de ocio están asociadas con mayores niveles de AF de intensidad moderada a vigorosa de adultos. La combinación de métodos de evaluación puede ayudar a revelar la contribución que el acceso y la calidad de los espacios públicos de ocio pueden tener para la AF.

Evidence-based public health: concepts, principles and applications to promote physical activity in the Brazilian context / Saúde Pública baseada em evidências: conceitos, princípios e aplicações para promoção da atividade física no contexto Brasileiro

Abstract The aim of this study was to present the Evidence-Based Public Health (EBPH), describing its concept, principles, application, and relate these theoretical elements for the promotion of Physical Activity (PA) in Brazil. A narrative research on EBPH was conducted in books and in the PUBMED database in 2017. EBPH stages comprise aspects widely disseminated in the public health area, which are beginning to be used for the promotion of PA in Brazil. The use of these concepts can improve Evidence-Based Decision Making (EBDM) through various aspects, including greater access to key scientific evidence, communication between those responsible for EBDM and researchers, in addition to investments in qualification of health professionals.

Resumo Esse estudo tem como objetivo apresentar a Saúde Pública Baseada em Evidência (EBPH), descrevendo o conceito, princípios, aplicações da EBPH e aproximar esses elementos teóricos para promoção da Atividade Física no Brasil. Realizou-se uma busca sobre a EBPH em livros e na base de dados PUBMED em 2017. As etapas de EBPH compreendem aspectos amplamente difundidos na área de saúde pública e que começam a ser empregados para a promoção de AF no Brasil. O emprego destes conceitos pode aprimorar a Tomada de Decisão Baseada em Evidências (EBDM) mediante diversos aspectos, incluindo maior acesso as principais evidências científicas, comunicação entre os responsáveis por EBDM e pesquisadores, além de investimentos na qualificação dos profissionais de saúde.

Socioeconomic status moderates the association between perceived environment and active commuting to school.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the moderator effect of socioeconomic status in the association between the perceived environment and active commuting to school. METHODS: A total of 495 adolescents and their parents were interviewed. Perceived environment was operationalized in traffic and crime safety and assessed with the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale. Active commuting was self-reported by the adolescents, categorized in walking, bicycling or skating at least one time/week. Socioeconomic status was used as moderator effect, reported from adolescents' parents or guardians using Brazilian standardized socioeconomic status classification. Analyses were performed with Poisson regression on Stata 12.0. RESULTS: Prevalence of active commuting was 63%. Adolescents with low socioeconomic status who reported "it is easy to observe pedestrians and cyclists" were more likely to actively commute to school (PR = 1.18, 95%CI 1.03-1.13). Adolescents with low socioeconomic status whose parents or legal guardians reported positively to "being safe crossing the streets" had increased probability of active commuting to school (PR = 1.10, 95%CI 1.01-1.20), as well as those with high socioeconomic status with "perception of crime" were positively associated to the outcome (PR = 1.33, 95%CI 1.03-1.72). CONCLUSIONS: Socioeconomic status showed moderating effects in the association between the perceived environment and active commuting to school.

Evidence-based decision making and promotion of physical activity among directors of local health departments.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the steps involved in evidence-based decision making for the implementation of programs aimed at the promotion of physical activity. METHODS: It is a descriptive, cross-sectional study with quali-quantitative approach, held with municipal health secretaries chosen deliberately by regional health representatives of the state of Paraná. A total of 27 secretaries participated in a telephone interview consisting of 17 open questions. Content analysis was conducted according to the categories of an evidence-based decision-making model consisting of seven steps. RESULTS: None of the participants employed every step of the evidence-based decision-making model. The steps that were most often mentioned included: evaluation of the program (33.3%), use of evidence from the literature (22.2%) and identification of the problem (22.2%). The steps that were reported the least included: quantification of the problem (14.8%), development and prioritization of actions (14.8%), development of the plan of action (14.8%) and evaluation of the community (3.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The use of evidence-based decision making in the context of the promotion of physical activity was shown to be incipient among the health secretaries of the state of Paraná. We suggest widening dissemination and training on the use of evidence-based decision making among municipal administrators to increase the effectiveness of actions for promotion of physical activity.

Sedentary time and perceived neighborhood environment in adolescents aged 12-17 years / Tempo sedentário e ambiente percebido sobre o bairro em adolescentes de 12 a 17 anos

Abstract The environment around the residence could contribute to attenuate or increase time spent in sedentary activities, and in low energy expenditure activities (1.5 METS) in adolescents. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between sedentary time and perceived neighborhood environment in adolescents aged 12-17 years living in southern Brazil. This was an observational cross-sectional study conducted from August 2013 to May 2014, with a sample of adolescents (12-17 years), recruited from 32 census tracts in Curitiba, Brazil. All census tracts were selected according to walkability and income characteristics. Perceived environment was assessed through the NEWS-Y questionnaire, and sedentary time along seven days was obtained through accelerometers (GT1M, GT3x and GT3x+). Linear regression models were used to test the associations, and included age, nutritional status, socioeconomic level and education level as confounding variables. All analyses were performed considering p-value <0.05 through SPSS software 20.0. The analytical sample included 364 adolescents (girls=50.5%; mean age=14.7, SD=1.7) with valid accelerometry data, showing on 489.6 minutes/day (SD=99.5) spent in sedentary time activities. After adjusting for confounding variables, only the perception of places for walking and cycling remained associated with sedentary time for both boys (B=-23.402, p=0.016) and girls (B=-15.572; p=0.079). Perception of places for walking and cycling has an inverse relationship with sedentary time among adolescents living in places with extremes of walkability and income.

Resumo O ambiente no entrono da residência pode contribuir para atenuar ou acentuar o tempo em atividades sedentárias em adolescentes. Objetivou-se avaliar a associação entre o tempo sedentário e a percepção do ambiente sobre o bairro em adolescentes de 12 a 17 anos residentes no sul do Brasil. Este foi um estudo transversal realizado entre os meses Agosto, 2013 e Maio, 2014, em uma amostra de adolescentes, recrutados em 32 setores censitários da cidade de Curitiba-PR, Brasil. Os setores foram selecionados de acordo com as características de walkability e renda. O ambiente percebido foi avaliado com o questionário NEWS-Y. O tempo sedentário foi avaliado de maneira objetiva por meio de acelerômetros (GT1M, GT3x e GT3x+) durante sete dias consecutivos. Modelos de regressão linear foram empregados para testar as associações, sendo consideradas como variáveis de confundimento a idade, o estado nutricional, o nível socioeconômico e a escolaridade. As análises foram realizadas considerando o valor de p<0,05 através do software SPSS 20,0. A amostra analítica contou com 364 adolescentes com dados válidos de acelerômetros (meninas=50,5%; idade média=14,7 anos, DP=1,7 anos), tendo apresentando 489,6 minutos/dia (DP=99,5 minutos/dia) de tempo em atividades sedentárias. Após ajuste para as variáveis de confundimento apenas a percepção de lugares para caminhar e para pedalar manteve-se associada com tempo sedentário tanto para meninos (B=23,402; p=0,016) quanto para meninas (B=-15,572; p=0,079). A percepção de locais para caminhar e pedalar tem relação inversa com tempo sedentário entre adolescentes residentes em locais com extremos de walkability nível socioeconômico.

Características do ambiente físico e organizacional para a prática de atividade física nas escolas de Curitiba, Brasil / Characteristics of physical activity facilities in schools of Curitiba, Brazil

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever as características das estruturas para a prática de atividade física (AF) entre escolas públicas e privadas de Curitiba, Brasil. Estudo transversal com 114 escolas (72,8% públicas). Os respectivos professores de Educação Física (EF) (n = 114) das escolas informaram as características organizacionais. O ambiente escolar foi avaliado por meio de observação sistemática com uma ferramenta de auditoria para identificar o tipo, qualidade (não funcional, ruim, média e ex-celente) e quantidade de estruturas para AF. Os professores de EF reportaram a disponibilidade das estruturas por meio de um instrumento padronizado. Para análise, utilizou-se da distribuição de fre-quências, os testes de Qui-quadrado e U de Mann Whitney mantendo um nível de significância de 5%. Nas escolas públicas, houve maior proporção das áreas para jogos com qualidade "média" (54,6%), esportes "ruim" (29,1%), quadras individuais "ruim" (38,7%) e poliesportivas "não funcionais" (37,6%), enquanto em escolas privadas eram de qualidade "excelente" as áreas para jogos (68,9%), esportes (57,3%), quadras individuais (50,0%) e poliesportivas (47,0%) com diferença significante em todas as áreas entre as escolas (p < 0,001). Escolas públicas possuem aproximadamente um equipamento para AF a cada 100 alunos, enquanto a escolas privadas possuem o dobro (p < 0,001). A disponibilidade das estruturas foi, em geral, semelhante entre os tipos de escola, exceto no acesso a "playgrounds" e o espaço para prática de "tênis de mesa" no período do recreio foi maior em escolas privadas (p < 0,05). As escolas privadas apresentaram maior qualidade e quantidade de estruturas relacionadas à AF quando comparadas as escolas públicas

The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of physical activity (PA) facilities and structure be-tween public and private schools of Curitiba, Brazil. Cross-sectional study conducted in 114 schools (72.8% public schools). A physical education (PE) instructor from each school (n = 114) reported about PA and PE organizational characteristics. The school environment was assessed through systematic observation tool to identify type, quality (no functional, poor, medium and excellent) and number of PA facilities. All organ-izational characteristics were reported by PE instructors through a standardized questionnaire. Data was analyzed through frequencies, chi-square and Mann Whitney U tests considering 5% of statistical signif-icance. In public schools PA facilities for play were "medium" (54.6%), sports (29.1%), individual courts "poor" (38,7%) and multi sports courts "no functional " (37.6%), whereas private schools presented facilities with "excellent" quality for play areas (68.9%), sports (57.3%), individual courts (50.0%) and multi sports courts (47.0%) with significant difference in all areas between schools (p < 0.001). Public schools had one PA equipment per 100 students, whereas private schools had twice as many equipments (p < 0.001). The availability of PA facilities was, in general, similar in both types of schools, except in access in playgrounds and table tennis areas during the recess, being higher in private schools (p < 0.05). Private schools showed greater quantity and higher quality of PA facilities than public schools

O Sistema de Informação Geográfica em pesquisas sobre ambiente, atividade física e saúde / The Geographic Information System in environment, physical activity and health researches

O Sistema de Informação Geográfica (SIG) é uma ferramenta importante para o gerenciamento e análises de dados geográficos relacionados com políticas, programas e desfechos no contexto da atividade física e saúde. O objetivo desse estudo é descrever os métodos e a aplicação do SIG para avaliar o ambiente relacionado à atividade física e a saúde. Algumas etapas são essenciais para o em-prego do SIG, incluindo desenvolvimento de conhecimentos fundamentais à operação da ferramenta, identificação e domínio dos programas computacionais adequados às características do projeto de pesquisa, aquisição dos dados espaciais, criação e análise de indicadores e por fim a representação das informações espaciais. As informações derivadas do SIG permitem uma exatidão nas análises relacionadas a comunidades amplas, como bairros e cidades. O emprego de receptor GPS (Global Positioning System) e acelerômetro, por exemplo, pode ampliar o detalhamento de informações sobre aonde, quem, quando e quais atividades físicas são realizadas. Além disto, informações obtidas por meio de observação sistemática e auto relatos podem adicionar aspectos sobre a qualidade dos locais em que as atividades físicas são realizadas. Conclui-se que o emprego do SIG, em conjunto com outros métodos, pode auxiliar a compreensão sobre o papel das mudanças ambientais e políticas públicas voltadas ao ambiente, sobre os níveis populacionais de atividade física, assim como propiciar evidências que auxiliem o planejamento de cidades mais saudáveis

The Geographic Information System (GIS) is an important tool for managing and analysing geographic data related to policies, programs and outcomes in the context of physical activity and health. The Aim of this study is to describe the methods and the application of GIS to assess the environment related to physical activity and health. Some steps are essential for the use of GIS, including development of fundamental knowledge for the operation of the tool, identification and mastery of the computational programs appropriate to the characteristics of the research project, acquisition of spatial data, creation and analysis of indicators and, finally, spatial information representation. The information derived from GIS allows accuracy in analyses related to large communities, such as neighbourhoods and cities. The use of GPS devices (Global Positioning System) and accelerometer, for example, can expand the detail of information on where, who, when and what physical activities are performed. In addition, information obtained through systematic observation and self-reports can add aspects about the quality of the places where physical activities are performed. In conclusion, the use of GIS, joining with other methods, can be helpfully to understand the role of environmental changes and public policies aimed at the environment, population levels of physical activity, besides providing evidence that helps to plan healthier citie

Built environment and physical activity in elderly: a systematic review of South America / Ambiente construído e atividade física para idosos: uma revisão sistemática da América do Sul

A systematic review was conducted to evaluate studies on the association between the characteristics of a built environment and levels of physical activity (LPA) of elderly people in South America. The searches were conducted on the Bireme, SciElo, Web Of Science and Scopus databases in 2017. Empirical quantitative studies published in Portuguese, English and Spanish, starting in 1990, were included to provide information on the relationship between a built environment and physical ac-tivity (PA) for elderly in South America. After the exclusion of repeated titles, 9,592 studies were found, only nine of which were selected, all with a cross-sectional design and samples composed of both sexes, and 77.8% carried out in Brazil. Most of the studies (66.7%) used the abbreviated version of the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale (NEWS-A Brazil) to evaluate the built envi-ronment and 88.9% used the International Physical Activity Questionnaire to evaluate LPA. Total walking distance (leisure and active transport) was investigated in 22.2% of the studies, leisure PA in 55.5% and displacement PA in 44.4%. The presence of PA facilities and services was associated with LPA, as well as connectivity, street incline and perceived safety. It was concluded that the installation of PA facilities, as well as improved safety, can increase the LPA of the elderly. In addition, satellite image information and audits should be considered when evaluating the built environment

Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática com o objetivo de avaliar estudos sobre características do ambiente construído relacionadas aos níveis de atividade física (NAF) de idosos da América do Sul. As buscas foram realizadas nas bases eletrônicas Bireme, SciElo, Web Of Science e Scopus durante o ano de 2017. Foram incluídos estudos empíricos, quantitativos, a partir do ano de 1990, que apresentassem informações sobre a relação entre ambiente construído e atividade física (AF) para idosos da América do Sul, publicados em português, inglês ou espanhol. Após a exclusão dos títulos repetidos, restaram 9.592 artigos, desses, apenas nove foram selecionados, todos com delineamento transversal e amostras compostas por ambos os sexos, sendo 77,8% realizados no Brasil. A maioria dos artigos (66,7%) empregou a Escala de Mobilidade no Ambiente Comunitário Abreviada ­ A-NEWS Brasil para avaliar o ambiente construído e 88,9% utilizou o Ques-tionário Internacional de Atividade Física para avaliar NAF. A caminhada total (lazer e deslocamento) foi investigada em 22,2% dos estudos, a AF de lazer em 55,5% e a AF de deslocamento em 44,4%. A presença de estruturas para prática de AF e de serviços foram associados ao NAF, assim como a conectividade e inclinação das ruas e a percepção de segurança. Concluiu-se que a instalação de estruturas para prática de AF, bem como a melhoria da segurança, podem aumentar o NAF em idosos. Além disso, o emprego de informações obtidas por satélite e auditagem deve ser considerada para avaliação do ambiente construído