Playground usage and physical activity levels of children based on playground spatial features

Aim Being outdoors is one of the strongest correlates of phys- ical activity in children. Playgrounds are spaces especially designed to enable and foster physical activity in children. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the spa- tial features of public playgrounds and the usage and physical activity levels of children playing in them.

Subjects and methods A quantitative, observational study was conducted of ten playgrounds in one district of a middle-sized town in Germany. Playground spatial features were captured using an audit instrument and the playground manual of the town. Playground usage and physical activity levels of chil- dren were assessed using a modified version of the System for Observing Play and Leisure Activity in Youth. Negative bino- mial models were used to analyze the count data.

Results The number of children using the playgrounds and the number of children actively playing in them were higher in those with more varied facilities and without naturalness. Girls played more actively in playgrounds without multi-purpose areas. Cleanliness, esthetics, play facility quality, division of functional areas and playground size were not related to any outcome variable.