Activity-friendly neighborhoods for children: measurement of physical activity and environmental correlates With the current epidemic of overweight and obesity among youth and the decline in their physical activity, promoting an active lifestyle has become a public health priority. In order to develop effective prevention and intervention strategies designed to promote an active lifestyle and inhibit a sedentary lifestyle among children and adolescents, it is essential to gain a thorough understanding of their physical activity patterns. Physical activity is a complex behavior which is difficult to measure, especially among youth. This thesis aims to provide an insight into the assessment of physical activity among children and adolescents, and to identify characteristics of the Dutch built environment that can promote or inhibit an active lifestyle among children. The introductory chapter 1 provides a general background and a rationale for the studies presented in this thesis. Two conceptual models are discussed. The first model relates to Part I of the thesis and describes the role of assessment in different domains of physical activity research. The second conceptual model relates to Part II of the thesis and revolves around characteristics of the Dutch built environment that are potentially associated with children’s physical activity. The chapter concludes with the research questions addressed in the subsequent chapters of the thesis. (Author/publisher)
Abstract