Park-like campus settings and physical activity

Objective: Similar to parks, college campuses may promote physical activity. The purpose of this study was to compare the physical activity of adults at urban campuses and parks.

Participants: Participants were individuals observed on campuses and parks in April 2011.

Methods: The System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities was used to assess physical activity at 3 campuses and parks, 3 times/day, for 4 days.

Results: Greater proportions of individuals (parks, campuses) were observed in vigorous (28.7%, 11.9%) and sedentary (25%, 18.3%) activities at parks than campuses and a greater proportion observed in walking (69.8%, 46.3%) intensity on campuses than parks. More men than women were observed at both parks and campuses, and paths and sport courts were most frequently used for physical activity.

Conclusions: Physical activity intensities differ across college campuses and parks that provided similar physical activity amenities. Efforts should focus on increasing awareness of outdoor campus amenities that promote physical activity and understanding the outdoor amenities that of promote physical activity of women.