Individual research recommendation details

Recommendation ID

NG90/3

Question

Use of public open spaces by particular groups:- How effective and cost effective are environmental changes to increase physical activity through use of public open spaces (including blue, green and grey spaces) by the following groups:
- black and minority ethnic groups
- groups with low socioeconomic status
- groups experiencing other forms of disadvantage, for example carers, people with severe mental health conditions?
Are effects maintained over time?

Any explanatory notes
(if applicable)

Why this is important:- Some groups, such as those listed above, use open spaces less than others even when these are publicly available. However, we found very little good quality evidence on environmental
interventions that influence physical activity in these groups. We also found no cost effectiveness
data for interventions among these population groups.
Longitudinal research is needed of environmental interventions specifically targeting groups who use open spaces less than others, with a follow-up period of at least a year and preferably with a matched control group. This should provide a better understanding of how changes can best promote the use of public open spaces and so increase physical activity in these groups. Objective measures of physical activity are valuable even if increasing activity is not a focus of the intervention.
Research is also needed on the effects of cultural acceptability of environmental interventions to increase physical activity.

Source guidance details

Comes from guidance

Physical activity and the environment

Number

NG90

Date issued

March 2018

Other details