A microenvironment approach to reducing sedentary time and increasing physical activity of children and adults at a playground.

Abstract

Test whether a micro-environment park intervention in Grand Forks, North Dakota, movement of seating away from a playground, would increase the physical activity and length of stay of park users. Study 1, summer 2012: physical activity of children and adults was assessed during baseline (A1) with seating in usual, standardized locations; with seating removed from the playground (B); and with seating returned to original locations (A2). Study 2, summer 2013: the study was repeated with the inclusion of a daily 2-hour assessment during which activity of each family member was recorded every 15-min and length of stay was recorded. For both studies, the MET (metabolic equivalent) intensity was greater (p<0.02) during condition B than during A1 and A2. For adults, the odds of being in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity than sitting during condition B were 4.1 to 22.7 greater than those during conditions A1 and A2. During the 2-hour serial observations, MET intensities during condition B were greater (p<0.005) than those during A1 and A2. The duration families stayed at the park did not differ across conditions. Adults were more active when seating was not accessible. Removal of seating did not shorten the time that adults were willing to allow children to play.