Abstract
Physical activity (PA), associated with all-cause mortality, morbidity, and healthcare costs, improves vitamin D absorption, immune response, and stress when completed outdoors. Rural communities, which experience PA inequities, rely on trails to meet PA guidelines. However, current trail audit methods could be more efficient and accurate, which geospatial video may support. Therefore, the study purpose was (1) to identify and adopt validated instruments for trail audit evaluations using geospatial video and a composite score and (2) to determine if geospatial video and a composite score motivate (influence the decision to use) specific trail selection among current trail users. Phase 1 used a mixed-method exploratory sequential core design using qualitative data, then quantitative data for the development of the Spatial-temporal Trail Audit Tool (STAT). Geospatial videos of two Northeast Ohio trails were collected using a bicycle-mounted spatial video camera and video analysis software. The creation of STAT was integrated from Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale (NEWS), Walk Score, and Path Environment Audit Tool (PEAT) audit tools based on four constructs: trail accessibility, conditions, amenities, and safety. Scoring was determined by three independent reviewers. Phase 2 included a mixed-method convergent core design to test the applicability of STAT for trail participant motivation. STAT has 20 items in 4 content areas computing a composite score and was found to increase trail quality and motivation for use. STAT can evaluate trails for PA using geospatial video and a composite score which may spur PA through increased motivation to select and use trails.
Highlights
Mortality reduction across the lifespan, whereas those who accrue at a minimum of 300 min per week demonstrate a 26% mortality reduction [4]
To create and validate the final quantitative trail quality and use instrument, Spatial-temporal Trail Audit Tool (STAT), this study was designed as a 2-phase mixed-methods study
After reviewing Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale (NEWS), Walk Score, and Path Environment Audit Tool (PEAT) audit tools, the researchers pulled content areas from these tools that served as a valid, theoretical basis including four constructs: (1) trail accessibility, (2) trail conditions, (3) trail amenities, and (4) trail safety
Summary
Physical activity (PA) is associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality, morbidity, and associated healthcare costs [1,2]. Physical inactivity is a public health problem globally as 1 in 4 adults of adults aged 18 years and older do not meet the globally recommended levels of PA [3]. These global recommendations of PA include 150 min of PA per week [3]. Mortality reduction across the lifespan, whereas those who accrue at a minimum of 300 min per week demonstrate a 26% mortality reduction [4]. While adult PA has significantly increased in the past decade
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