Perceived barriers to walking in the neighbourhood environment and change in physical activity levels over 12 months.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether, and to what extent, perceived barriers to neighbourhood walking (BTNW) may be associated with physical activity levels. DESIGN: Prospective survey with 12-month follow-up. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 750 people attending walking schemes throughout England and Scotland; 551 completed the follow-up. independent variables were demographic characteristics, examples of possible "external" barriers to walking-for example, "worries about personal safety", and one item concerning ill health. The main outcome measures were "metabolic equivalent" (MET) hours' walking and overall physical activity in the preceding week. RESULTS: Baseline and follow-up demographic characteristics were similar and physical activity levels generally high. Leisure walking changed little over 12 months, while total physical activity levels reduced significantly from a mean (SD) of 71.26 (78.14) MET hours per week at baseline to 59.57 (181.40) at the 12-month follow-up (p<0.001). External BTNW cited between baseline and 12 months increased significantly from a mean (SD) of 1.24 (1.61) at baseline to 1.43 (1.72) at the 12-month follow-up (p