The health condition of visitors influences their choice of physical activity in recreational parks

The health benefits of recreational parks in urban areas have been well documented. However, the connection between the type of physical activity and the health conditions of park visitors is rarely examined. This study aimed to investigate whether the type of physical activity is linked to the health status of visitors in recreational parks. We collected data from 607 visitors across four recreational parks in Rawalpindi-Islamabad, Pakistan, using 32 surveys with a closed-ended questionnaire. Our findings indicated that most park visitors were in good health (n = 513; 84.51%). The most common health issue reported was depression (n = 52; 8.57%), followed by obesity (n = 23; 3.79%) and high blood pressure (n = 11; 1.81%), while the least common was diabetes (n = 8; 1.32%). A statistically significant association was found between health condition and the type of physical activity performed in the parks. Individuals with no health issues were more likely to engage in running, while those with depression tended to be more sedentary (sitting and watching). Individuals with obesity showed a higher likelihood of running, and those with diabetes were more likely to participate in sports. Our results suggest that tailoring recreational programs to align with the health profiles of visitors could enhance participation and promote healthier lifestyles.