Environmental determinants of objectively measured physical activity and overweight and obesity in adolescents

Bristol University has a strong commitment to making the results of its research accessible to the public and is committed to becoming a world leader in science engagement, driven through Professor Kathy Sykes, the Collier chair for Public Engagement in Science and Engineering. The nature of much EHS work is applied, and we have good links with Prof. Sykes. The University also works jointly with @Bristol, a hands-on science centre to work with the community and engage young people and teachers. EHS and University websites and Faculty of Social Sciences and University newsletters will include brief non-technical descriptions of the study, the results and their implications. With the support of the University external relations department, press releases will be produced to disseminate findings of publications to the public. The results of the study will be provided to participating schools and research staff will help the principles of activity measurement and GPS be integrated into the children?s learning.

Being physically active is important for the optimal physical development of children. In addition being active with other children may enhance social development through assisting children to gain independence, improve self-esteem and make social contacts. There is concern that neighbourhoods around homes and schools are becoming less conducive to walking or cycling as well as active play, with parental concerns for safety leading to greater reliance on motorised transport and consequently lower levels of physical activity. Lower levels of physical activity are suggested to be an important factor leading to the development of obesity. National surveys indicate that 25-35% of adolescents are insufficiently active for the maintenance of good health, but we know little about the physical activity patterns of young people, where they go to be active, and how their neighbourhood and distance to school and other amenities may affect the amount of activity they do. We have a strong track record in measurement of physical activity in children, and we will be the first group to combine expertise in human geography and behavioural sciences to provide state of the art measurement of physical activity patterns and their environmental and social determinants in young adolescents. The focus will be young adolescents in the last year of primary school and the first year of secondary school, as this transition phase often triggers a decline in physical activity. As a result activity promotion and policy will be better informed, targeted and directed.