Physical Activity in Brazilian Environmental Parks: A Brief Review

The purpose of this study was to provide a brief historical review of physical activity (PA) in the Brazilian environmental parks. For this research, we used a literature review following a specific methodology. The parks are used for the most diverse types of physical activities, although the evidence regarding the benefits of physical activity in the existing population remains low. This historical review study demonstrates that while physical activity has been incorporated into the Brazilian environmental parks, collective actions may be necessary to maximize the use of the parks and to provide users with the physiological and psychological benefits that come from the combination of physical activity and nature. It is necessary to develop a task force throughout the country to identify the specific needs of each environmental park disseminating data that can guide public administration in the construction of park improvement with emphasis on safety, peculiar differences to users, proximity to residential areas, and environmental characteristics that might be better suited to the practice of physical activity in order to improve the quality of life of the residents.