United States: New Study reveals the fact that the persons who were living in the activity- friendly neighborhoods, take up to Ninety Minutes more in exercising, per week. The researchers from the University of California had conducted this study.
It was pointed by the Authors of the study, who are mainly from the University of California, that the physical ‘inactivity’ is responsible in many cases, where over Five million people dies every year, and they further stated that the it is important part of the public heath that to create ‘Healthier cities’.
It is notable in connection with the study that there were around 6822 adult people from the age group between 18 to 66 were taken from the fourteen cities in Ten countries from the International Physical activity and Environment Network- IPEN. And in such cities, the Ghent from Belgium, Olomouc from Czech Republic, Curitiba from Brazil, Hong Kong from China, Bogota from Colombia, Cueranavaca from Mexico, Arhus from Denmark, Waitakere, Welligton and Christchurch along with North Shore from New Zealand and some other were included.
Also, the researchers found mapping out the neighborhood features from the areas around the homes of the participants and in such features they specifically noted their residential density, public transport stops, number of street intersections, nearest public transport points, number of parks and mixed land use in such areas. Also, involving the use of accelerometers worn around the waists of the participants, the physical activity was seemed measured, and it was done for minimum of 4 days.
After recording every minute’s movement among the participants, the researchers found that participants from around all 14 cities were doing 37 minutes per day moderate to vigorous physical activity. And it was seen that the Baltimore was having the lowest average rate of activity and the highest was found in Wellington.
As per James Sallis- a lead author in the study, who explained that the highly residential density having neighborhoods tend to have adjoined with the streets, shops and services and this might mean, as per author, that with more options people are more likely to walk and it will be best for their activities and exercise.
