The perception of the neighborhood environment changes after participation in a pedometer based community intervention

Birgit Wallmann, Heleen Spittaels, Ilse De Bourdeaudhuij, Ingo Froböse

Publication: Contribution to journalJournal articlesResearch

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the perception of the neighbourhood environment alters when changing the physical activity behaviour through a pedometer intervention.

FINDINGS: The intervention was implemented for 15 weeks in a small village in Germany, and was based on the individual baseline activity level. Eighty-two inhabitants participated in the study and completed an environmental questionnaire before and after the intervention. Results showed that after the intervention the participants perceived a lower distance to local facilities, a higher availability of bike lanes and infrastructures, a better maintenance of infrastructure, a better network and a safer traffic situation.

CONCLUSION: This suggests that a change in the levels of physical activity merges the levels of exposure to the environment which results in different environmental perceptions.

Original languageEnglish
JournalThe international journal of behavioral nutrition and physical activity
Volume9
Pages (from-to)33
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01.01.2012

Research areas and keywords

  • Aged
  • Bicycling
  • Body Mass Index
  • Environment Design
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Germany
  • Health Behavior
  • Health Promotion
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Activity
  • Perception
  • Questionnaires
  • Residence Characteristics
  • Social Environment
  • Walking

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