Environmental correlates
Environmental correlates of physical activity have only been studied quite recently. Trost et al.’s (2002) review showed that eleven new environmental variables had been studied since a review of correlates published in 1999. There was weak or mixed support for an asso-ciation of most variables with physical activity. A recent review of environmental correlates of walking in adults (Owen et al.2004) found eighteen studies. From these, it was concluded that walking was associated with aesthetic attributes; convenience of facilities, such as trails; accessibility of destinations, such as shops; and perceptions of traffic and busy roads. However, the authors concluded that the current evidence is ‘promising, although at this stage limited’ (Owen et al.2004: 75). It is likely that facilities, including open spaces and parks, are only part of a solution to increase physical activity levels. Other factors include previous experiences of physical activity and current level of fitness