PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND GREENWAY USAGE AMONG PROXIMATE AND NON-PROXIMATE RESIDENTS

Abstract

Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of obesity and can help people live longer, healthier lives. One mechanism to increase physical activity and reduce the risk of obesity is to facilitate active living. Greenways can be used for active living purposes and can be seen as a strategy for physical activity promotion in a community. More research is needed to quantify the value of greenway development and the ability of greenways to increase physical activity levels in those living proximate to a greenway. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between physical activity levels and residential proximity to a greenway. Proximate was defined as one half mile or less and non-proximate was defined as one half to two miles to a greenway. In addition, the relationship between greenway proximity, overall physical activity levels, and social support were examined. Questionnaires were distributed to adults living within two miles of a greenway located in Greenville, North Carolina using mail and door-to-door administration. T-test analysis indicated that site-specific physical activity such as walking and vigorous physical activity (VPA) were related to greenway proximity. Correlation analysis indicated a relationship between social support and site-specific physical activity on the greenway. However, overall physical activity levels did not increase in respondents living proximate or non-proximate to a greenway. In conclusion, people who live proximate to a greenway potentially alter their physical activity with greenway usage instead of using other recreational amenities.