Abstract
BackgroundPhysical inactivity is the fourth highest cause of death globally and is a major contributor to increases in healthcare expenditure. Improving public open spaces such as parks in areas of low socio-economic position (SEP) may increase recreational physical activity in disadvantaged populations. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of the installation of a play-space in a large metropolitan park in a low socioeconomic area based on changes in physical activity.MethodsObservational data of visitor counts and activities undertaken in the park before the installation of the new play-scape (T1), at two months (T2) and 14 months post-installation (T3) were obtained for the intervention and a control park (with no refurbishment) located in a high SEP metropolitan area. Observed sitting, standing, and moderate and vigorous-intensity physical activity were converted to yearly MET-h according to age. Costs of the play-scape and ongoing maintenance were obtained from the organisation managing the refurbishment. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) (ratio of incremental cost to incremental effect) was calculated based on the incremental increase in MET-h from T1 to T3 assuming a 20-year lifetime of the play-scape. Observation counts combining moderate and vigorous activity were used in the sensitivity analysis.ResultsWhen compared with T1, at T3 the new play-scape resulted in an overall incremental net gain of 114,114 MET-h (95% UI: 80,476 − 146,096) compared with the control park and an incremental cost effectiveness ratio (or cost per MET-h gained per park visitor) of AUD $0.58 (95% UI: $0.44–$0.80).The sensitivity analysis combining moderate and vigorous activity into one category showed an increase in estimated incremental MET-h of 118,190 (95% CI: 83,528 − 149,583) and a lower incremental cost per MET-h gained of AUD $0.56 (95% UI: $0.43–$0.77).ConclusionsUsing a benchmark of cost-effectiveness for physical activity interventions of AUD $0.60–$1.30, this study suggests that the installation of a play-scape located in a low SEP area is cost-effective based on its potential to facilitate increases in MET-h. It provides much needed preliminary evidence and requires replication elsewhere.
Highlights
Physical inactivity is the fourth highest cause of death globally [1] and is a major contributor to increases in healthcare expenditure [2]
The Recording and EValuating Activity in a Modified Park (REVAMP) study was a natural experiment designed to evaluate the impact of the installation of a play-scape, a play area designed with the intent of bringing children and accompanying adults back to nature, in a large metropolitan park (Brimbank Park) in Melbourne, Australia
The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was expressed as the cost per unit increase in metabolic equivalent hours (MET-h). This is equivalent to the incremental cost per MET-h gained per park visitor
Summary
Physical inactivity is the fourth highest cause of death globally [1] and is a major contributor to increases in healthcare expenditure [2]. In Australia, only one-third of children undertake the recommended 60 min of physical activity every day [3], and just 45% adults engage in 150 min/week of at least moderate-intensity physical activity [4] These low prevalence rates are consistent with many other high-income countries globally [5]. There is consistent evidence of a lower prevalence of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity among adults of lower socio-economic position (SEP) in high income countries [6,7,8]. It is plausible that improving parks in low SEP areas could help to increase physical activity among disadvantaged populations. Improving public open spaces such as parks in areas of low socio-economic position (SEP) may increase recreational physical activity in disadvantaged populations. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of the installation of a play-space in a large metropolitan park in a low socioeconomic area based on changes in physical activity
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
