Abstract

PEREIRA, Margarida Miguel; MOTA, Jorge; NOGUEIRA, Helena  and  SANTOS, Maria Paula. Environmental and social determinants of the levels of teenage physical activity: the use of GIS methodologies. Finisterra [online]. 2011, n.91, pp.107-118. ISSN 0430-5027.

Nowadays, the fact that Physical Activity (PA) plays a fundamental role in improving health and well-being is well known. nevertheless in modern society, lifestyles are becoming ever more sedentary, which contributes to an increase in the risk of developing a plethora of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, CVD, hypertension, some types of cancer, muscular-skeletal diseases and obesity, among others. PA and dieting are habits that are shaped from an early age; thus behaviour as children and adolescents may determine adulthood Pa Levels (PAL). There is scientific evidence to suggest that the urban environment may influence the level of physical activity of the population, proving that some characteristics are associated with active transport or with the development of leisure activities. Despite the evidence, few studies outside the USA and Australia have been performed on objectively measured environmental features and PAL. It is important to identify which variables are more likely to influence adolescent PAL, especially in urban spaces, in order to promote healthier environments and healthier people

Keywords : Built environment; physical activity; health; Geographic information systems.

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