An analysis of the suitability of public spaces to physical activity practice in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Objectives: To assess the physical characteristics of public spaces designed for sport/physical activity/leisure in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and their relationship to the socioeconomic indicators. Methods: Public spaces (n. = 38) spread across the city were evaluated between December 2011 and January 2012 using the Physical Activity Resource Assessment (PARA) instrument. Based on PARA results, a Quality Indicator (QI) was prepared and the sample was grouped into "High QI" and "Low QI" using a k-means clustering algorithm. The association between QI and the local Social Development Index (SDI) was tested using a Chi-square test. Results: The average QI was 13.6±4.91 and the median was equal to 13 points. The High QI group, composed of sites with a QI above median, reached 17.9±2.35 points, while the Low QI group reached 9.3±2.16 points. Pearson's Chi-square tests identified a significant association between QI and SDI when the value of SDI 0.7 was used as a criterion for separation (χ2=17.84, p<0.001). In neighborhoods with lower levels of SDI, public spaces usually had a lower QI. Conclusions: Policies to encourage physical activity need to focus attention on the built environment also, particularly in socially vulnerable areas.