Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA
Date of Award
8-2009
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Kinesiology
First Advisor
Dr. Paul Villas
Second Advisor
Dr. Tom Semper
Third Advisor
Dr. Layne Jorgensen
Abstract
Built environment has been identified as a factor affecting exercise adherence. The author conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study to examine the relationship of distance traveled and its relationship to frequency of exercise and level of adherence. Surveys with demographic and contextual information were collected from 260 participants. Demographic data was mapped using Geographic Information Systems software and data analyses were performed on geographical trends, participants' use facilities and participants' proximity to their respective place of exercise. Trends among participants across the various bands were determined. The author found strong support to show geographical proximity as an important factor in frequency and level of exercise adherence. The maps prepared illustrated participant usage was highest among those living one mile or less from the facility. Further analysis confirmed 63% of participants surveyed lived less than a mile away from the surveyed sites. Forty percent of users who lived less than one mile away had high exercise adherence. Due to the degree of sample homogeneity, resulting statistical analysis determined proximity as accounting for only three percent of the variance in frequency of facility usage.
Granting Institution
University of Texas-Pan American
Comments
Copyright 2009 Nancy Anzaldua. All Rights Reserved.
https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/built-environment-does-geographical-proximity/docview/305181711/se-2