Physical Activity Associated with Age, Sex, and Seasonality among Park Users in an Unincorporated Community along the Texas-Mexico Border.

Objective: This study examined variations in physical activity (PA) by age, sex and seasonality among park users living in predominantly Mexican American unincorporated community along the Texas-Mexico border. Methods: Park-based PA was assessed during two time periods using direct observations of 2,446 park visitors. Variation in PA was examined by age, sex, seasonality, intensity level, and type of PA using separate Pearson's chi-square analyses. A multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between age group, sex, season, and intensity level of PA. Results: Sedentary behaviors (32.8%), soccer (20.9%), and basketball (11.9%) were the most commonly observed activities. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that younger aged participants were more likely to engage in moderate and vigorous PA compared to older participants. Females were more likely to engage in light-intensity activity (OR = 1.77, p=<0.001), but were less likely to participate in moderate and vigorous PA (OR=0.15, p=<0.001) compared to males. Park visitors were significantly more likely to engage in light-intensity PA (OR = 1.78, p<0.001) in the summer than in winter, although no difference by season was found for moderate and vigorous PA. Conclusion: Age and sex differences were found in PA intensity, and seasonality was significantly different for light intensity PA, only. Public officials and planners may use this information to build and design parks that cater to the types of activities that Hispanics of different ages and genders engage in to increase the likelihood of meeting physical activity guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]