FREQUENCY OF PARK USE AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PRACTICES IN ADULTS FROM CURITIBA, BRAZIL

Introduction: Parks visit has been associated with higher levels of physical activity, however the evidence is limited to high-income countries. Aim: To verify the association between the frequency of park use and different types, volumes and intensities of leisure time physical activity in adults from Curitiba, Brazil. Methods: In 2009 a cross sectional study, with a household survey, was conducted in representative sample of 1,461 adults living near to eight urban parks. The frequency of park use was assessed through a self-reported and ordinal scale describing four levels of park visits. Weekly minutes per week of walking, moderate, vigorous and total physical activity were assessed through the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The associations were tested with Poisson regressions (p<0.05). Results: A positive association between park use and walking, moderate and total physical activity among men was observed (p<0.05). Among women such association was found only for walking and total physical activity (p<0.05). Park use in a frequency of >= 4 times/wk can increase in approximately three times (PR: 2.96; CI95%: 1.92-3.66) the likelihood of individuals to achieve the total physical activity recommendations (>= 150 min/wk). Conclusion: Park use was positively associated with physical activity among adults, with greater effect among men. These results can help managers to guide specific actions to promote of park use and physical activity practices at the places.