Take a walk in the park? A cross-over pilot trial comparing brisk walking in two different environments: Park and urban

ObjectiveThe objective of the present study is to investigate whether differences exist between a 30 minute brisk walk taken in two different environments in order to determine which environment best facilitates current physical activity guidelines: park or urban.MethodsIn this randomised cross-over pilot study, participants performed a self-timed 30 minute brisk walk in two different environments, park and urban, in Glasgow, Scotland (October 2009 to January 2010). Cadence, recorded using the activPAL™ activity monitor, was used to measure intensity. Outcome measures were: mean cadence; moderate-to-vigorous physical activity time accumulated in bouts lasting ≥ 10 min; number of walking breaks; and duration.ResultsA convenience sample of 40 healthy adults was recruited: 16 males, 24 females, mean age 22.9 (5.5) years. The mean cadence for the whole walk was higher in the park: 119.3 (8.3) vs. 110.9 (8.9) steps/min. Participants accumulated more moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity in ≥ 10 minute bouts during park walks: 25.5 (9.6) [median (interquartile range)] vs. 14.0 (20.3) min. There was no difference in self-timed duration between locations.ConclusionParticipants accumulated more moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity in bouts ≥ 10 min in duration on park walks due to the lack of interruptions in walking. Hence the park environment better facilitated the achievement of current physical activity guidelines. Further research involving a larger, more heterogeneous sample is recommended.

► The effect of 2 environments (park and urban) on a 30-minute brisk walk is compared. ► Walking in a park facilitates the achievement of MVPA in bouts of ≥ 10 min. ► It is difficult to walk continuously for ≥ 10 min in an urban environment. ► Brisk walking in a park leads to higher intensity exercise than in an urban environment.