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

• Main Authors: Wallmann Birgit, Spittaels Heleen, De Bourdeaudhuij Ilse, Froboese Ingo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2012-03-01
• Series: International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
• Subjects: Physical activity; 3000 steps more per day; Health behaviour; Environmental questionnaire
• Online Access: http://www.ijbnpa.org/content/9/1/33

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>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.</p>