Objective
To analyse the relationships between park proximity and biomarkers, anthropometric measurements, and physical activity levels in a Spanish adult cohort.
Design
Cross-sectional study.
Site
Spain.
Participants
A subsample of Cuenca adults from the DESVELA project cohort.
Interventions
Not applicable.
Main measurements
A range of sociodemographic, lifestyle, environmental, anthropometric and biomarker measurements were analysed. Analysis of covariance was conducted while controlling for sex, age and education level; distance to the nearest park was categorized into percentiles.
Results
The study population comprised 174 individuals, 98 female (56.3%). The mean age of the participants was 51.7±9.8 years, with a range of 33–76 years. Analysis of covariance was conducted while controlling for sex, age and education level; distance to the nearest park was categorized into percentiles. The results revealed statistically significant p-values for HDL cholesterol (p=0.02), weight (p=0.03), and body mass index (BMI) (p=0.03), with additional trends toward significance for triglycerides (p=0.06) and vigorous physical activity (p=0.08).
Conclusions
Residing at a distance of up to 550 metres from a park is associated with higher levels of HDL cholesterol, as well as lower weight and body mass index, indicating more favorable metabolic profiles among those living closer to a park compared to those living farther away.
