抄録
Investigation of the association between the neighborhood environment (NE) and daily physical activity (PA) is new and limited. The purpose of the study was to clarify the association between NE and PA in a community in Japan.
Two types of regions with different residential density, land use mix-diversity, and street connectivity were selected. Residents were selected using a stratified random sampling method. Each resident's NE was objectively and subjectively measured using the Geographic Information System (GIS) and a questionnaire. PA was measured using a pedometer (accelerometer type) and a questionnaire.
For female residents, walking time for leisure was significantly longer with a high GIS score for the land use types, and total walking steps and walking time for leisure were higher among those who perceived land use mix-access. For male residents, total walking steps were significantly higher for those who perceived accessibility to working places and hardware stores, and the walking time for leisure was longer for those who perceived accessibility to working places and fast-food restaurants.
The study results reveal that mixed land use that is in proximity to several non-residential facilities could promote daily walking steps and walking time. However, there is a sex difference in the association between NE and PA. Studies are needed in various communities with environmental variability in Japan.
