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Motives and Barriers Related to Physical Activity within Different Types of Built Environments: Implications for Health Promotion

Read the article:
The article is peer-reviewed and published in the scientific journal International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health: Motives and Barriers Related to Physical Activity within Different Types of Built Environments: Implications for Health Promotion.
 
What is the study about?
The study is a review that maps motives and barriers to physical activity across four types of urban environments: walkable areas, cycling infrastructure, neighborhood parks, and sports facilities.

Main conclusions:

  • Motives: Easy access, safe areas, and good facilities promote physical activity across all types of environments.
  • Barriers: Lack of access, safety concerns (e.g., traffic and personal security), poor facilities, and financial factors (especially in relation to sports facilities) can hinder physical activity.
  • Some motives and barriers are specific to environments. For example, cost is a barrier for sports facilities, while the need for safety is especially important for cycling infrastructure and parks.
  • The results indicate that health promotion initiatives should be tailored to different urban environments to increase physical activity effectively.
Published: 2022
 
Authors:
Marlene Rosager Lund Pedersen, Thomas Viskum Gjelstrup Bredahl, Karsten Elmose-Østerlund and Anne Faber Hansen.

Contact:

Marlene Rosager Lund Pedersen, mrlpedersen@health.sdu.dk.

Support/funding:
Nordea-fonden and University of Southern Denmark.

Last Updated 01.10.2026