Survey on health trails use and its effects

Objective To explore the development of the health trail and its service condition, physical activity and influencing factors among the health trail users. Methods In August 2015, a self-administered questionnaire was conducted among 1 615 health trail users in four health trails in three districts (Jingkou, Runzhou and Dantu) in Zhenjiang Municipality in Jiangsu Province. The users' socio-demographic characteristics, exercise behaviors, activities were obtained. A chi-square test was used to evaluate differences in the trails and different populations. Results The percentages of the health trail users of 6-7 days per week and of 3-5 days per week were 50.56% (816/1 614) and 31.91% (515/1 614), respectively. The percentages of users went for a stroll in three age groups (under 45, 45-59 and over 60) were higher than those went for walking, brisk walking and slow jogging. 67.58% (1 090/1 613) users considered that there was an increased exercise amount. The majority of users (96.65%, 1 557/1 611) went to health trails from home, between which, the distance range was 1.26 to 2.11 km. 44.67% (720/1 612) and 22.21% (359/1 612) users preferred that the health trail should locate in parks and squares, respectively. The top two reasons for willing to use health trails were safety and beauty of environment. Conclusions The health trail is a good channel to build up the people's health. Healthy lifestyle can be improved by using health trails.