Urban, Rural, and Regional Variations in Physical Activity

There is some speculation about geographic differences in physical activity (PA) levels. This study examined the prevalence of physical inactivity (PIA) and whether US citizens met the recommended levels of PA across the United States. In addition, the association between PIA/PA and degree of urbanization in the 4 main US regions (Northeast, Midwest, South, and West) was determined. Nationally, PA levels were higher in urban areas than in rural areas; correspondingly, PIA levels were higher in rural areas than in urban areas. Regionally, the urban-rural differences were most striking in the South and were, in fact, often absent in other regions. The association between PA and degree of urbanization is evident and robust in the South but cannot be generalized to all regions of the United States.