Return to Fast Fact Library

A review of 10 studies suggests that creating or enhancing access to places for physical activity, such as fitness centers or trails, combined with informational outreach, such as training on equipment or health education, is effective in increasing physical activity. In the five studies that measured change in aerobic capacity, the median increase was 5.1%. In the two studies that measured change in energy expenditure, the median increase was 8.2%. In the five studies that measured frequency of physical activity, the median increase was 48.4%.

Howze, Elizabeth H., Kenneth E. Powell, Elaine J. Stone, and Mummy W. Rajab. The effectiveness of interventions to increase physical activity: A systematic review. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 22, no. 4S (2002): 73-107.

Topics

Health & well-being, Active living

The LPS Fast Fact Library is a collection of short summaries of landscape benefits derived from published research. The Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF) compiles and writes the Fast Facts. LAF has no involvement in the data collection, analysis, review, publication, or funding of the research. If you have questions or comments on the Fast Fact Library itself, contact us at email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Help build the LPS: Find out how to submit a case study and other ways to contribute.