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Built Environment and Physical Activity in New Zealand Youth

Year:
2012
Duration:
43 months
Approved budget:
$1,198,919.75
Researchers:
Professor Grant Schofield
Health issue:
Physical activity/exercise
Proposal type:
Project
Lay summary
Full Stage Lay Summary The built environment has a considerable effect on health indicators such as physical activity, sedentary behaviour, body size, and community connectedness. In NZ, we have demonstrated large population-wide effects of built environment features with adult physical activity (HRC 07/356); however, the association between the built environment and adolescent health is less understood. Adolescence is a time when physical activity levels decrease substantially. They experience changing needs for independent mobility and age- and culturally-appropriate forms of physical activity. The proposed study is part of an international collaboration across ten countries, and aims to characterise the links between place and adolescent health. We will measure the strengths of association of the built environment with physical activity, sedentary behaviour, body size and community connectedness in 1,600 NZ adolescents (12-18) years. These findings will inform national and international urban design policy and interventions to support youth being more active and connected with their communities