Perceived distance to recreational facilities and the association with physical activity and exercise among adolescents in Curitiba, Paraná State, Brazil

The aim of this study was to verify the association between perceived distance to recreational facilities (parks, gyms, sports courts, and bike lanes) for physical activity and exercise among adolescents in Curitiba, Paraná State, Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a representative sample of 1,474 adolescents (14-18 years) enrolled in public schools. There was an inverse association between distance (≥ 31 minutes) to gyms and sports courts and physical activity among boys (PR = 0.78; 95%CI: 0.69-0.88 and PR = 0.79; 95%CI: 0.66-0.95, respectively). The number of facilities near home was positively associated with physical activity in boys (PR = 1.18; 95%CI: 1.04-1.34). Among girls, distance (≥ 31 minutes) to sports courts was inversely associated with strength training (PR = 0.93; 95%CI: 0.87-0.99). The findings suggest that distance from home and number of recreational facilities in the neighborhood may affect patterns of physical activity among adolescents and that the association differs between boys and girls.