The association of neighborhood green spaces and children’s physical activity: a study in Bhopal, India

Source abstract

Children’s physical activity is declining globally, risking their physical, mental, and social development – particularly in fast-growing cities of India. This study examined how park accessibility, visit frequency, and time spent were associated with park-based physical activity (PBPA) levels among 386 children aged 9–14 from varied socioeconomic backgrounds in Bhopal. Using stratified sampling and a standardized PBPA score, regression analysis revealed that frequent park visits and longer durations significantly predicted higher PBPA levels. Interestingly, GIS-derived network proximity was not a significant predictor after adjustment. Boys were generally more active than girls, while age showed only a weak positive correlation with activity levels. The findings highlight that simply increasing the number of parks may not be effective. As this is a cross-sectional study, the findings indicate associations, not causation. For effective policy, equitable access to safe, inclusive, and engaging parks should take priority over simply increasing the number of parks.