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January 29, 2009
Social Cohesiveness of Neighborhood Can Influence Children’s Physical Activity   

A new study published in the February edition of the American Journal of Public Health examined the link between children’s neighborhood environments, physical activity and weight. This study of physical activity levels reported by 5th graders from various schools in the cities of Birmingham, Houston and Los Angeles. Researchers looked at not only physical environment factors such as traffic, population density, sidewalk availability, but also social environment factors such as social cohesion, neighbors’ willingness to look after others’ children, and networks among parents. Controlling for demographic factors related to physical activity and childhood weight, the study found that a favorable social environmental was more strongly related to physical activity than the physical environment. Authors suggest that community based interventions aimed at improving physical activity levels in children should involve ways to enhance social cohesion in neighborhoods.

The article abstract can be found at: http://www.ajph.org/cgi/content/abstract/99/2/271?etoc
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