Based on research studies, relate the association between an individual's physical activity and his environment

The association between individuals' physical activity and the environment they live in varies depending on the characteristics of the environment considered, the level of activity, and the way these factors have been assessed (objective vs. self-report). Some studies show that the presence of recreational resources (e.g., exercise facilities at work, etc.) but not aspects of neighborhood design are positively associated with vigorous physical activity (De Bourdeaudhuij, Sallis, & Saelens, 2003). Also, research has found that minutes of walking and moderate activity are associated with accessibility of public transportation and other neighborhood facilities. Other study findings have shown that neighborhood characteristics including access to parks, presence of sidewalks, enjoyable scenery, heavy traffic, and hills were positively related to physical activity (Brownson, Baker, Housemann, Brennan, & Bacak, 2001). The findings of a more recent literature review showed consistent associations between access to physical activity facilities, high residential activity, convenient access to destinations, and measures of physical activity (Bauman & Bull, 2007). The link between the environment and physical activity has been found in studies that have included adults and children (Ferreira et al., 2007). Most studies that examine the link between the environment and physical activity have been correlational; therefore, it is not clear whether people who are physically active move to neighborhoods with more access to physical activity opportunities or the reverse is true.?