Assessing physical activity in public parks in Brazil using systematic observation.

Objectives: We assessed park use in Recife, Brazil, and differences in physical activity and occupation rates in public parks with and without the Academia da Cidade Program (ACP), which provides cost-free, supervised physical activity classes.

Methods: We used the System for Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC) in 128 targeted areas in 10 park sites (5 ACP sites, 5 non-ACP sites) to obtain data on the number of users and their physical activity levels and estimated age. Each area was assessed 4 times a day for 11 days over a 4-week period.

Effects of a community-based, professionally supervised intervention on physical activity levels among residents of Recife, Brazil.

Objectives: We evaluated the effects of a community-based intervention, the Academia da Cidade program (ACP), on increasing leisure-time physical activity among residents of Recife, Brazil.

Methods: We used the International Physical Activity Questionnaire to assess leisure-time physical activity and transport physical activity (i.e.