Perceptions of opportunities for physical activity in 28 European countries

• Perceptions of opportunities for exercise in the local area were assessed in the EU.
• Those living in areas with opportunities for exercise were more physically active.
• This association was significant for walking, moderate and vigorous activity.
• Perceptions of opportunities for exercise improved in the EU between 2005 and 2013.

IntroductionThis study examined the relationship between perceptions of opportunities for physical activity in the local area and physical activity levels in European adults.MethodsData for 20,673 adults aged 18–64 were taken from the representative Eurobarometer survey (wave 80.2, 2013) of 28 European Union (EU) countries. Achieving recommended levels of physical activity and Metabolic Equivalent of Task-minutes (MET-mins) per week was constructed from self-reports of frequency and duration of walking, moderate and vigorous physical activity. Relationships between these outcomes and perceptions of opportunities for physical activity in the local area were assessed using logistic and linear regressions as appropriate; trends in these perceptions were measured between 2002 and 2013.ResultsRespondents stating that their local area offers opportunities for physical activity were more likely to meet recommended levels of physical activity (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 1.56). Across all EU countries the percentage of people reporting that their local area offers these opportunities increased slightly between 2005 (71.4%) and 2013 (79.3%, p < 0.001). Reporting that the local area offers opportunities for physical activity was associated with more moderate (17 min/week) and vigorous (15 min/week) physical activity and with 23 more minutes of walking per week.ConclusionPerceptions of opportunities for physical activity in the local area were associated with increased levels of all types of physical activity. Despite small improvements in perceptions of opportunities in the local area over the past decade, a variety of further interventions will be required to reduce the disease burden resulting from low physical activity levels.