ASSESSING PERCEIVED PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENTAL VARIABLES THAT MAY INFLUENCE PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY

The present study evaluated a measure of perceived physical environmen ts that may influence physical activity. Forty-three self-report items were used to assess environmental variables at homes, in neighborhood s, or on frequently traveled routes. The presence af facilitators of ( e.g., equipment, programs, attractive surroundings) and barriers to (e .g., high crime) physical activity was assessed. In 110 college studen ts, test-retest reliabilities were .89 for the home equipment scale, . 68 for the neighborhood scale, and .80 for the convenient facilities s cale. Home equipment and convenient facilities scales were correlated with self-reported physical activity. In multiple regression analyses, the only significant association, after adjusting for neighborhood so cioeconomic status, was home equipment with strength exercise. Further research is needed to identify other environmental characteristics th at may influence physical activity.