Effects of built and natural environments on leisure physical activity in residential and workplace neighborhoods

Chun Yin; Jiahang Liu; Bindong Sun

doi:10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103018

Effects of built and natural environments on leisure physical activity in residential and workplace neighborhoods

Health Place. 2023 May:81:103018. doi: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103018. Epub 2023 Mar 29.

Authors

Chun Yin¹, Jiahang Liu², Bindong Sun³

Affiliations

¹ Research Center for China Administrative Division, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, PR China; Future City Lab, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, PR China. Electronic address: cyin@geo.ecnu.edu.cn.
² Research Center for China Administrative Division, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, PR China; Future City Lab, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, PR China. Electronic address: 51213902031@stu.ecnu.edu.cn.
³ Research Center for China Administrative Division, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, PR China; Future City Lab, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, PR China. Electronic address: bdsun@re.ecnu.edu.cn.

PMID: 36996594
DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2023.103018

Abstract

Few studies have investigated relative contributions of the built and natural environments to and their nonlinear associations with leisure physical activity (PA) in different spatial contexts. Applying gradient boosting decision tree models to data comprising 1049 adults collected in Shanghai, we investigated the associations between built and natural environments and leisure PA in residential and workplace neighborhoods. Results show that the built environment is more important than the natural environment to leisure PA in both residences and workplaces. Environmental attributes have nonlinear and threshold effects. Within certain ranges, land use mix and population density have opposite associations with leisure PA in residences and workplaces, whereas the distance to the city center and the area of water are associated with leisure PA in residences and workplaces with the same direction. These findings help urban planners design context-specific environmental interventions for supporting leisure PA.

Keywords: Compact development; Gradient boosting decision tree; Land use; Physical activity; Spatial heterogeneity.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adult
China
Environment Design*
Exercise
Humans
Leisure Activities
Residence Characteristics
Walking
Workplace*