An ecological approach to creating active living communities

The thesis of this article is that multilevel interventions based on ecological models and targeting individuals, social environments, physical environments, and policies must be implemented to achieve population change in physical activity. A model is proposed that identifies potential environmenta...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Annual review of public health 2006-01, Vol.27 (1), p.297-322
Main Authors: Sallis, James F, Cervero, Robert B, Ascher, William, Henderson, Karla A, Kraft, M Katherine, Kerr, Jacqueline
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
City Planning
Ecology
Environment Design
Exercise
Health Behavior
Humans
Politics
Public Health
Residence Characteristics
United States
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Summary:The thesis of this article is that multilevel interventions based on ecological models and targeting individuals, social environments, physical environments, and policies must be implemented to achieve population change in physical activity. A model is proposed that identifies potential environmental and policy influences on four domains of active living: recreation, transport, occupation, and household. Multilevel research and interventions require multiple disciplines to combine concepts and methods to create new transdisciplinary approaches. The contributions being made by a broad range of disciplines are summarized. Research to date supports a conclusion that there are multiple levels of influence on physical activity, and the active living domains are associated with different environmental variables. Continued research is needed to provide detailed findings that can inform improved designs of communities, transportation systems, and recreation facilities. Collaborations with policy researchers may improve the likelihood of translating research findings into changes in environments, policies, and practices.
ISSN:0163-7525
1545-2093
DOI:10.1146/annurev.publhealth.27.021405.102100