The ability to walk to shops and restaurants in a neighbourhood has been found to significantly lift the likelihood of people exercising.
A Washington State University study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, found that the right built environment could result in 23 percent more walking by residents.
Nutrition and exercise physiology researcher, Professor Glen Duncan, said the findings helped provide insights into addressing highly sedentary lifestyles.
“We have so many people in the US population who don’t get sufficient activity,” he said.
“If we could shift the percentage of the population that just took on more plain old walking, we would see real health benefits.”
The study found that each one percent increase in an area’s “walkability” resulted in 0.42 percent increase in neighbourhood walking.
This meant a 55 percent increase in the walkability of a neighbourhood would result in about 23 percent more walking – or about 19 minutes a week for every resident living in that area.
The study was based on monitoring 11,000 twins, which helped control the research for family influences and genetic factors
Walkable neighbourhoods include shops, parks and restaurants as well as access to public transportation.
Suburban or rural areas tend to be less walkable because of the distance between facilities.
Professor Duncan said that walking was a “great and easy” way to improve health.
“It also counts toward the widely recommended 150 minutes a week of physical activity,” he said.
“You don’t have to spend loads of money on fitness clothing and the best gear. Walking is a very natural thing. You just lace on some shoes and head out the door.”
Researchers from the University of Washington, University of Southern California, University of Virginia, Columbia University and WSU contributed to the study.
The full report is on the Washington State University website.
