Features

Highlights of the research

Free play outdoors: an essential part of youth development
This research summary reviews recent studies showing how contact with nature and free play outdoors help young people stay physically active and acquire healthy lifestyle habits.
(Québec en Forme - Number 9 - July 2012)

Modifying the built environment to promote healthy eating among youth
This summary presents a range of possible options for municipalities seeking to modify built environment in order to limit exposure to junk food and improve access to nutritious foods, thus helping to promote healthy eating.
(Québec en Forme - Number 8 - March 2012)

How the built environment influences young people's food choices
This synthesis of current research on the role of the built environment in young people’s food choices shows that exposure to junk food in the living environment (at home or at school) is a key contributing factor to excessive energy intake, resulting in overweight or obesity.
(Québec en Forme - Number 7 - February 2012)

Facilities for Recreational Physical Activity
This research summary outlines the current state of peer-reviewed research on what makes an environment conducive to leisure-time physically active recreation.
(Québec en Forme - Number 6 - April 2011)

Walking or Bicycling to School, Physical Activity and Health Outcomes
This is a summary of research that was conducted on active transportation to school, physical activity and results relating to health. It also examines the factors that promote walking and bicycling to school.
(Québec en Forme - Number 5 - April 2011)

The Economic Benefits of Green Spaces, Recreational Facilities and Urban Developments that Promote Walking
This research summary reviews the extensive peer-reviewed documentation on the economic value of outdoor recreational facilities, green spaces and walkingfriendly developments. It highlights the benefits to users and to the owners of homes situated close by.
(Québec en Forme - Number 4 - March 2011)

Parks, Playgrounds and a Physically Active Lifestyle
This is a summary of the facts regarding the role of parks in shaping healthy lifestyles in various population groups, including children, seniors, low-income families, ethnic groups and other population groups with a high risk of physical inactivity.
(Québec en Forme - Number 3 - March 2011)

Growing Demand for Communities that Promote Health
Many health and planning officials believe that traditionally designed Neighbourhoods, those with shops and schools within walking distance of homes, plus a network of bike paths and sidewalks, can help children and adults get more daily physical activity.
(Québec en Forme - Number 2 - February 2011)

Designing Environments that Foster Pysically Active Lifestyles by Children
This summary provides a synopsis of the current state of research into the environmental factors and policies related to young people’s physical activity and sedentary behaviour patterns, and how these in turn may be linked to obesity.
(Québec en Forme - Number 1 - January 2011)