Public spaces for physical activity in the Trairi Potiguar micro-region.
physical activity; public place; public health
Encouraging the practice of physical activity is one of the main strategies used to face non-communicable diseases and chronic diseases, especially in relation to obesity, diabetes and hypertension. Furthermore, physical activity is an important component of quality of life, physical and mental health. However, not everyone has access to environments that provide opportunities for this practice. This is a reality that needs to be better evaluated and, although it has more defined contours in large urban centers, it is relatively little known in small cities. Thus, the objective of the present work is to evaluate public spaces destined to the practice of physical activity in the microregion of Trairi Potiguar. This is a descriptive observational cross-sectional study that evaluated public structures dedicated to the practice of physical activity in the 11 municipalities that make up the micro-region of Trairi, in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. This territory has an estimated population of 125,620 inhabitants for 2021, the predominant biome is the caatinga and the climate is semi-arid with long periods of drought. Initially, a survey of the structures destined to the practice of PA was carried out with the Municipal Sports Departments. Courts/gyms, parks for walking, health academies and squares were included. Thus, 79 structures were visited in loco, and aspects related to the repertoire and quality of available equipment, user comfort attributes, aesthetics, safety, services and shading were evaluated. A photographic record of all spaces visited was also carried out. It is hoped that the results obtained can be used to improve planning and access to equipment and public initiatives aimed at the practice of physical activity in this micro-region.