Physical Activity Behavior, Motivation and Active Commuting: Relationships with the Use of Green Spaces in Italy

Alessia Grigoletto, Alberto Loi, Pasqualino Maietta Latessa, Sofia Marini, Natascia Rinaldo, Emanuela Gualdi-Russo, Luciana Zaccagni and Stefania Toselli
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Alessia Grigoletto: Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Alberto Loi: School of Pharmacy, Biotechnology, and Sport Science, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Pasqualino Maietta Latessa: Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, 47921 Rimini, Italy
Sofia Marini: Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, 47921 Rimini, Italy
Natascia Rinaldo: Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, Corso Ercole I d’Este 32, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
Emanuela Gualdi-Russo: Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, Corso Ercole I d’Este 32, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
Luciana Zaccagni: Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Prevention, University of Ferrara, Corso Ercole I d’Este 32, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
Stefania Toselli: Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 15, 1-15

Abstract: Many benefits of physical activity (PA) are observed with weekly average volumes of 150–300 min at moderate intensity. Public parks may be an attraction for many people living in the city and could help to achieve the recommended dose of PA. The present study aims to understand the motivation that drives people to a park and evaluate the amount of PA practiced by park-goers. A questionnaire was anonymously administered to 383 voluntary visitors to the Arcoveggio park (Bologna), aged 18–70 years. Sixty-one percent of participants practiced outdoor PA. Differences in park use between sexes and age groups were found. PA was higher in men than in women and in the 18–30 age group than in other age groups. Most participants travelled to the park in an active way (86.4%), resulting in easier attainment of the recommended amount of PA (64.5%). The main motivations for using the park were related to relaxation, performing PA, or both. According to a multiple regression model, the time per week spent at the park, the method of getting there, and the kind of PA were significant explanatory variables of the amount of PA practiced. In particular, the highest number of minutes of PA was achieved by those who travelled to the park by running, while those using vehicles presented the lowest number. All initiatives to promote active commuting and activities in the urban park represent an important strategy to improve health, supporting adults to lead an active lifestyle.

Keywords: active commuting; green urban space; motivation; physical activity; COVID-19 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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