Environmental and Policy Approaches to Increase Physical Activity: Creation of or Enhanced Access to Places for Physical Activity Combined with Informational Outreach Activities

Task Force Finding*

These interventions attempt to change the local environment to create opportunities for physical activity. Access to places for physical activity can be created or enhanced both by building trails or facilities and by reducing barriers (e.g., reducing fees or changing operating hours of facilities). Many of these programs also provide training in use of equipment, other health education activities, and incentives such as risk factor screening and counseling. Several programs reviewed were conducted at worksites.

These interventions are strongly recommended because of their effectiveness in increasing physical activity and improving physical fitness among adults. Other positive effects include decreases in adiposity.

*From the following publication:

Task Force on Community Preventive Services. Recommendations to increase physical activity in communities. [PDF - 70KB] Am J Prev Med 2002;22 (4S):67-72.

Review completed: May 2001