Introduction to SOPARC and the Science of Systematic Observation

Background/Purpose: Park and recreation settings are viable locations for promoting health enhancing physical activity. Investigations of physical activity and associated variables in these “open” environments have been hampered by lack of objective tools. Ecological and cognitive-behavioral approaches to understanding physical activity strongly support the assessment of the physical and social environments in which the activity occurs. Method: This segment provides an overview of the development of the SOPARC instrument, a tool that has now been translated into four languages. SOPARC uses periodic scans of individuals and contextual factors within pre-determined target areas. The activity of each individual is coded as Sedentary (i.e., lying down, sitting, or standing), Walking, or Vigorous using specialized counters. Separate scans are made for females and males, and simultaneous entries are made for age and race/ethnicity categories and for park characteristics (e.g., area accessibility and usability and presence of supervision, equipment, and organized activities). Two studies (one descriptive, one intervention) in 14 large parks in diverse multi-ethnic communities in Southern California are profiled to illustrate the initial design and utility of the system. Analysis/Results: SOPARC is a reliable tool for assessing the physical activity and other characteristics of park users, and has the advantages of flexibility, high internal validity, low inference, and low subject burden. Its disadvantages include personnel costs, need for observer training and recalibration, inaccessibility to certain environments, and potential subject reactivity. Conclusions: SOPARC is a viable tool for assessing physical activity and associated variables in park and recreation settings.