Using the nominal group technique to capture how local communities value blue space for physical activity

Using the nominal group technique to capture how local communities value blue space for physical activity | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Using the nominal group technique to capture how local communities value blue space for physical activity Nafsika Afentou, Louise Jackson, Luiz Flavio Andrade, Stephanie Elliott, and 3 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4223512/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract In recent years, natural environments, particularly blue spaces such as canals, have become focal points in health policies aimed at promoting physical activity (PA), reducing obesity, and mitigating inequalities. Alongside the health benefits, there is an array of societal, environmental, cultural and other welfare-enhancing factors, which shape the overall value of blue spaces for population wellbeing. This study investigates the multifaceted value of canals for promoting physical activity and wider community wellbeing. Members of local communities in Birmingham (UK) participated in two group consensus workshops to share perceptions on the value of their local canals for PA. Using the Nominal Group Technique, 21 participants with varying levels of canal use identified enablers and barriers to canal-based PA, voting for the most important factors. Data were also analysed qualitatively using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that opportunities to connect with nature, enjoy a quiet and stress-free environment and socialise with other people were mentioned as important facilitators for exercising at canals. Concerns regarding safety including anti-social behaviour, inadequate lighting, lack of cameras, and fear of visiting alone emerged as prominent barriers by both groups. This study highlights the importance of understanding community perspectives on the value of blue spaces for informing resource allocation and policy decisions aimed at enhancing community health and wellbeing. The findings informed the development of a framework for assessing blue environments for physical activity and wellbeing. Full Text Supplementary Files Appendix1.docx Appendix2.docx Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-4223512","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":288021521,"identity":"455e3776-8b1b-4f54-ac80-f55eb5dbb054","order_by":0,"name":"Nafsika 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Alongside the health benefits, there is an array of societal, environmental, cultural and other welfare-enhancing factors, which shape the overall value of blue spaces for population wellbeing. This study investigates the multifaceted value of canals for promoting physical activity and wider community wellbeing. Members of local communities in Birmingham (UK) participated in two group consensus workshops to share perceptions on the value of their local canals for PA. Using the Nominal Group Technique, 21 participants with varying levels of canal use identified enablers and barriers to canal-based PA, voting for the most important factors. Data were also analysed qualitatively using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that opportunities to connect with nature, enjoy a quiet and stress-free environment and socialise with other people were mentioned as important facilitators for exercising at canals. Concerns regarding safety including anti-social behaviour, inadequate lighting, lack of cameras, and fear of visiting alone emerged as prominent barriers by both groups. This study highlights the importance of understanding community perspectives on the value of blue spaces for informing resource allocation and policy decisions aimed at enhancing community health and wellbeing. 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