Increase Population Physical Activity Research Articles

A marathon, not a sprint: Increasing population physical activity as a legacy of sports mega-events

A marathon, not a sprint: Increasing population physical activity as a legacy of sports mega-events

Re-assessing the social climate of physical (in)activity in Canada

Social-ecological models suggest that a strategy for increasing population physical activity participation is to reconstruct the “social climate” through changing social norms and beliefs about physical activity (PA). In this study, we assessed whether the PA social climate in Canada has changed over a five-year period after controlling for sociodemographic factors and PA levels. Replicating a survey administered in 2018, a sample of adults in Canada (n = 2,507) completed an online survey assessing social climate dimensions, including but not limited to descriptive and injunctive norms. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and binary logistic regressions were conducted to assess the associations of sociodemographic factors and year of the survey with social climate dimensions. Results suggest some social climate constructs are trending in a positive direction between 2018 and 2023. Physical inactivity was considered a serious public health concern by 49% of respondents, second to unhealthy diets (52%). Compared to those who participated in the 2018 survey, participants in 2023 were less likely to see others walking or wheeling in their neighbourhood (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.41, 1.78), but more likely to see people exercising (OR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.73, 0.92) and kids playing in their neighbourhood (OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.66, 0.85). No changes were reported between 2018 and 2023 in individuals’ perceptions of whether physical inactivity is due to individual versus external factors (OR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.87, 1.13). The findings of this work indicate a modest positive shift in some measured components of the social climate surrounding PA although attributing causes for these changes remain speculative.

7.F. Workshop: Local physical activity policy evaluation: state of the art, tools and methods and future directions

Abstract Insufficient physical activity (PA) is one of the most significant risk factors for chronic diseases and premature mortality worldwide. Public policies are recognized as upstream factors providing system change beyond individual changes. Policies have been recognised as an effective way to increase population PA levels, as they support the development of evidence-based interventions and programs in different domains, that help create a ‘healthy’ PA environment and enhanced PA opportunities. Previous studies have shown an important impact of PA promotion policies at local level (municipalities), but insufficient research and tool development has been realised on PA policies beyond national level. First, the workshop will briefly describe the scientific state of the art on local PA promotion policies evaluation, based on results from a literature review. Second, the panel will present the CAPLA-Santé, a policy evaluation tool designed by a stakeholders’ group in France, based on the Health Enhancing Physical Activity Policy Audit Tool of the World Health Organisation, to comprehensively review local PA policies. The final version of CAPLA-Santé contains 21 items divided into six sections: 1. Overview of HEPA stakeholders in the local government area, 2. Policy documents, 3. Policy contents, 4. Funding and political engagement, 5. Studies and measures relating to physical activity in the local government area, and 6. Progress achieved and future challenges. CAPLA-Santé allows the collection and in-depth analysis of local level policies to assess the progress in promoting PA and intersectoral collaboration as well as identifying successful policy levers and remaining challenges. Third, the panel will illustrate its use in 5 countries worldwide (Finland, France, Germany, Japan and Romania), summarising findings and explaining how such tools allow cross-cultural comparison. Fourth, panellists will discuss the challenges and success in using such tools and provide insights on how these tools can serve as capacity building for policy makers and to draw recommendations, as well as cross-cultural comparisons. Key messages • The workshop will provide key advise on how to monitor local physical activity policies. • The workshop will equip participants with tools to face the challenge of local physical activity policy evaluation. Speakers/Panelists Petru Sandu Cluj School of Public Health, Babes-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania Anne Vuillemin Université Côte d’Azur, Nice, France François Berdougo Société Française de Santé Publique, Laxou, France Peter Gelius FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany

The Relative Importance of Training and Social Support for Runners’ Performance: A Cross-Sectional Study

BackgroundRunning participation/performance is a complex system. Understanding the variables associated with these behaviors may help to increase population physical activity and improve performance. This study aimed to investigate social and training variables important for running performance using a network approach.MethodsThis cross-sectional study sampled 1151 non-professional Brazilian runners of both sexes (women, 38.2%; men, 61.7%). A questionnaire was available for eligible participants using an online platform, and information regarding training (volume and running pace) and social variables (participation in a running event, participation in a running group, influence on running, runners in the family, and childhood sport) related to runners’ performance was obtained. The Chi-square test and network model were estimated by sex.ResultsTraining characteristics tend to be clustered. For both sexes, the training volume node presented the highest expected influence in the network (1.69 for women and 2.16 for men). Centrality indicators of social variables show that sports childhood participation and the presence of runners in the family were the most important nodes of network connection for women and men, respectively.ConclusionBased on these findings, it was concluded that sports participation during childhood and the practice of running by other family members were important factors to connect variables in the network. These findings have practical applications for health policymakers, highlighting the need to develop educational programs to increase sports participation during childhood and within families.

Built environment approaches: Extension personnel's preferences, barriers, and facilitators.

IntroductionInterventions that modify the built environment can increase population physical activity levels and prevent chronic disease. The national Cooperative Extension System is poised to implement built environment approaches (i.e., pedestrian/bicycle infrastructure and enhanced access to physical activity spaces), but implementation strategies (i.e., methods or techniques to move research to practice) are needed to improve uptake. Effective implementation strategies address relevant barriers and capitalize on facilitators. The purpose of this study was to understand 1) barriers and facilitators to implementing built environment approaches in two state Extension systems, 2) preferences for built environment approaches, and 3) preferences for implementation strategies.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey was used to understand Extension personnel's preferences for and barriers and facilitators to built environment approaches through a mixed-methods study design. This work was informed by anthropological inquiry as the overall research philosophy, and by the Health Impact Pyramid, Leeman et al.'s classification of implementation strategies, and the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research as the theoretical frameworks. The survey was distributed to eligible Extension personnel (n = 42) in two states. Quantitative data analysis consisted of numbers/proportions and Friedman tests. Qualitative analysis was completed through a rapid deductive approach to quickly produce actionable results.ResultsFourteen respondents (33%) completed the survey. Most had not implemented physical activity interventions in their communities or had implemented only individual-level interventions, though were interested in implementing built environment approaches. Benches, playground improvements, and crosswalks were the most desired approaches, while facilitation, assessing community strengths and needs, and technical assistance were desired implementation strategies. The most common barriers were relative priority and available resources; facilitators were external policy and incentives and implementation climate.DiscussionExtension personnel are receptive to built environment approaches and engaged with community coalitions. Yet, invested parties prefer individual-level interventions, and agents perceive a lack of resources for implementation. Implementation strategies that build capacity in both the Extension system and community coalitions may address these barriers through increasing relative priority and sharing existing resources. This work is a first step toward compiling implementation strategies to address relevant barriers to built environment approaches in community settings.

Barriers to initiating and maintaining participation in parkrun

Interventions that increase population physical activity are required to promote health and wellbeing. parkrun delivers community-based, 5 km events worldwide yet 43% who register never participate in a parkrun event. This research had two objectives; i) explore the demographics of people who register for parkrun in United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, and don’t initiate or maintain participation ii) understand the barriers to participating in parkrun amongst these people. Mandatory data at parkrun registration provided demographic characteristics of parkrun registrants. A bespoke online survey distributed across the three countries captured the reasons for not participating or only participating once. Of 680,255 parkrun registrants between 2017 and 19, 293,542 (43%) did not participate in any parkrun events and 147,148 (22%) only participated in one parkrun event. Females, 16–34 years and physically inactive were more likely to not participate or not return to parkrun. Inconvenient start time was the most frequently reported barrier to participating, with females more likely than males to report the psychological barrier of feeling too unfit to participate. Co-creating strategies with and for people living with a chronic disease, women, young adults, and physically inactive people, could increase physical activity participation within parkrun.

Active design of built environments for increasing levels of physical activity in adults: the ENABLE London natural experiment study

Background Low physical activity is widespread and poses a serious public health challenge both globally and in the UK. The need to increase population levels of physical activity is recognised in current health policy recommendations. There is considerable interest in whether or not the built environment influences health behaviours, particularly physical activity levels, but longitudinal evidence is limited. Objectives The effect of moving into East Village (the former London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Athletes’ Village, repurposed on active design principles) on the levels of physical activity and adiposity, as well as other health-related and well-being outcomes among adults, was examined. Design The Examining Neighbourhood Activities in Built Environments in London (ENABLE London) study was a longitudinal cohort study based on a natural experiment. Setting East Village, London, UK. Participants A cohort of 1278 adults (aged ≥ 16 years) and 219 children seeking to move into social, intermediate and market-rent East Village accommodation were recruited in 2013–15 and followed up after 2 years. Intervention The East Village neighbourhood, the former London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Athletes’ Village, is a purpose-built, mixed-use residential development specifically designed to encourage healthy active living by improving walkability and access to public transport. Main outcome measure Change in objectively measured daily steps from baseline to follow-up. Methods Change in environmental exposures associated with physical activity was assessed using Geographic Information System-derived measures. Individual objective measures of physical activity using accelerometry, body mass index and bioelectrical impedance (per cent of fat mass) were obtained, as were perceptions of change in crime and quality of the built environment. We examined changes in levels of physical activity and adiposity using multilevel models adjusting for sex, age group, ethnic group, housing sector (fixed effects) and baseline household (random effect), comparing the change in those who moved to East Village (intervention group) with the change in those who did not move to East Village (control group). Effects of housing sector (i.e. social, intermediate/affordable, market-rent) as an effect modifier were also examined. Qualitative work was carried out to provide contextual information about the perceived effects of moving to East Village. Results A total of 877 adults (69%) were followed up after 2 years (mean 24 months, range 19–34 months, postponed from 1 year owing to the delayed opening of East Village), of whom 50% had moved to East Village; insufficient numbers of children moved to East Village to be considered further. In adults, moving to East Village was associated with only a small, non-significant, increase in mean daily steps (154 steps, 95% confidence interval –231 to 539 steps), more so in the intermediate sector (433 steps, 95% confidence interval –175 to 1042 steps) than in the social and market-rent sectors (although differences between housing sectors were not statistically significant), despite sizeable improvements in walkability, access to public transport and neighbourhood perceptions of crime and quality of the built environment. There were no appreciable effects on time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity or sedentary time, body mass index or percentage fat mass, either overall or by housing sector. Qualitative findings indicated that, although participants enjoyed their new homes, certain design features might actually serve to reduce levels of activity. Conclusions Despite strong evidence of large positive changes in neighbourhood perceptions and walkability, there was only weak evidence that moving to East Village was associated with increased physical activity. There was no evidence of an effect on markers of adiposity. Hence, improving the physical activity environment on its own may not be sufficient to increase population physical activity or other health behaviours. Funding This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Public Health Research programme and will be published in full in Public Health Research; Vol. 8, No. 12. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information. This research was also supported by project grants from the Medical Research Council National Prevention Research Initiative (MR/J000345/1).

Health Gain, Cost Impacts, and Cost-Effectiveness of a Mass Media Campaign to Promote Smartphone Apps for Physical Activity: Modeling Study.

BackgroundPhysical activity smartphone apps are a promising strategy to increase population physical activity, but it is unclear whether government mass media campaigns to promote these apps would be a cost-effective use of public funds.ObjectiveWe aimed to estimate the health impacts, costs, and cost-effectiveness of a one-off national mass media campaign to promote the use of physical activity apps.MethodsWe used an established multistate life table model to estimate the lifetime health gains (in quality-adjusted life years [QALYs]) that would accrue if New Zealand adults were exposed to a one-off national mass media campaign to promote physical activity app use, with a 1-year impact on physical activity, compared to business-as-usual. A health-system perspective was used to assess cost-effectiveness. and a 3% discount rate was applied to future health gains and health system costs.ResultsThe modeled intervention resulted in 28 QALYs (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 8-72) gained at a cost of NZ $81,000/QALY (2018 US $59,500; 95% UI 17,000-345,000), over the remaining life course of the 2011 New Zealand population. The intervention had a low probability (20%) of being cost-effective at a cost-effectiveness threshold of NZ $45,000 (US $32,900) per QALY. The health impact and cost-effectiveness of the intervention were highly sensitive to assumptions around the maintenance of physical activity behaviors beyond the duration of the intervention.ConclusionsA mass media campaign to promote smartphone apps for physical activity is unlikely to generate much health gain or be cost-effective at the population level. Other investments to promote physical activity, particularly those that result in sustained behavior change, are likely to have greater health impacts.

Commuter e-bike use is associated with increased total physical activity over time

Abstract Background Active commuting such as cycling has been recommended as a practical way to increase population physical activity levels and improve health. Beside positive health effects observed in experimental studies, less is known about how e-bikes can improve public health outcomes in real-life settings. Objectives To describe the patterns over time in physical activity, sedentary behavior, cardiorespiratory fitness and psychophysiological well-being in a population of new commuter e-bike users. Methods This was a population-based prospective longitudinal study in France. 33 new users of e-bike were recruited and measured at 4-time points (T0, T1, T2, T3), from before the effective beginning of the e-bike use (T0) until a mean of 4.6 months of use (T3) (min: 3.2, max: 7). Repeated measures multilevel modeling was used on 4 waves of measurements to assess variations over time of e-bike use, total moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and total sedentary time (SED-time). Pre-post comparisons between T0 and T3 were performed to detect change in cardiorespiratory fitness, markers of adiposity, self-esteem, quality of life (SF12-v2), and physical activity motivations (EMAPS). Results Adherence to e-bike commuting was high and stable, with a mean of 82% (3%) of weekly use. Multilevel modeling indicated that MVPA followed a significant increasing curvilinear trajectory over time, plateauing after 90 days (+ 21 MET-h/week compared to mean T0 at 33 MET-h/week). No significant change was found in SED-time, averaging a mean of 8.6 hours/day. Greater adherence to using an e-bike was associated with greater increases in MVPA. Several markers of physical and mental health improved. Conclusions New commuter e-bike users undergo a significant increase in MVPA while being already at a high level before e-bike use onset. This increase in MVPA could be meaningful to attenuate detrimental effects of a persistent high sedentary behavior. Key messages MVPA significantly increases among new commuter e-bike users, along with improvements in physical and mental health. High SED-time is persistent, making increase in MVPA in a population with a moderately high initial level still crucial.

Toward Whole-of-System Action to Promote Physical Activity: A Cross-Sectoral Analysis of Physical Activity Policy in Australia.

The value of a systems thinking approach to tackling population physical inactivity is increasingly recognized. This study used conceptual systems thinking to develop a cognitive map for physical activity (PA) influences and intervention points, which informed a standardized approach to the coding and notation of PA-related policies in Australia. Policies were identified through desktop searches and input from 33 nominated government representatives attending 2 national PA policy workshops. Documents were audited using predefined criteria spanning policy development, strategic approaches to PA, implementation processes, and evaluation. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The audit included 110 policies, mainly led by the health or planning/infrastructure sectors (n = 54, 49%). Most policies purporting to promote PA did so as a cobenefit of another objective that was not focused on PA (n = 63, 57%). An intention to monitor progress was indicated in most (n = 94, 85%); however, fewer than half (n = 52, 47%) contained evaluable goals/actions relevant to PA. Descriptions of resourcing/funding arrangements were generally absent or lacked specific commitment (n = 67, 61%). This study describes current PA-relevant policy in Australia and identifies opportunities for improving coordination, implementation, and evaluation to strengthen a whole-of-system and cross-agency approach to increasing population PA.

Re: The Effect of Moving to East Village (the Former London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Athletes' Village) on Physical Activity and Adiposity Levels: The Enable London Study

Objective: There is considerable interest in whether the built environment influences health behaviours, but longitudinal evidence is limited. We examined the effect of moving into East Village (the former London 2012 Olympic Games Athletes Village, repurposed on active design principles), on levels of physical activity (PA) and adiposity among adults. Design: A natural experiment. Participants: A cohort of 1278 adults seeking to move into social, intermediate, and market-rent East Village accommodation was recruited in 2013-2015, and followed up after two years. Intervention: Moving to East Village. Main outcome: Change in objectively measured daily steps (ActiGraph GT3X+). Methods: Change in environmental exposures associated with physical activity were assessed using Geographic Information System derived measures. Individual objective measures of PA using accelerometry, body mass index (BMI) and bioelectrical impedance (fat mass %) were obtained, as were perceptions of change in the built environment. We examined change in levels of PA and adiposity, using multilevel models adjusting for sex, age group, ethnic group, housing sector (fixed effects) and household (random effect), comparing those who moved to East Village (intervention group) with those who did not (control group). Effects of housing sector as an effect modifier were also examined. Results: 877 adults (69%) were followed-up, of whom 50% had moved to East Village. Moving to East Village was associated with only a small non-significant increase in mean daily steps (154, 95% CI -231, 539), despite sizeable improvements in walkability and neighbourhood perceptions of crime and quality. There were no appreciable effects on time spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) or sedentary time, BMI or percentage fat mass, overall or by housing sector. Conclusion: Despite strong evidence of large improvements in neighbourhood perceptions and walkability there was no clear evidence that moving to East Village was associated with increased physical activity. Improving the physical activity environment on its own may be insufficient to increase population physical activity. Funding: This research is being supported by project grants from the Medical Research Council National Prevention Research Initiative (MR/J000345/1) and National Institute for Health Research (12/211/69). Diabetes and obesity prevention research at St George’s, University of London is supported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) South London. BR is supported by a St George’s, University of London, PhD Studentship. AE is funded by the UK Medical Research Council as part of the Neighbourhoods and Communities Programme (MC_UU_12017-10). BG-C is supported by an NHMRC Principal Research Fellowship (#1107672). ARC and ASP are supported by NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Bristol. Declaration of Interest: We declare that we have no competing interests. Ethical Approval: Full ethical approval was obtained from the relevant Multi-Centre Research Ethics Committee (REC Reference 12/LO/1031). All participants provided written informed consent.

Is older adults’ physical activity during transport compensated during other activities? Comparing 4 study cohorts using GPS and accelerometer data

IntroductionPromoting active transport offers the potential to increase population physical activity levels. Compensation theories state that above-average physical activity in one activity is compensated in later activities; a mechanism that results in stable levels of total physical activity. Little is known about possible compensation of transport physical activity among older adults. MethodsGPS (Global Positioning System) and accelerometer data collected among older adults (65+) were pooled from four cohorts in Canada, Luxembourg, and France (n=636, collected between 2012 and 2016). Physical activity was measured as total volume of physical activity for trips and non-trip activities. Robust linear regressions on person-centered data were used to test within-person associations between transport and total physical activity. Results636 older adults – median age of 76 years, 49% women - provided accelerometer and GPS data for at least 4 days. 18% of the total volume of physical activity was related to transport. A positive association was found between physical activity during a trip and the physical activity during the next hour, among those with lower levels of regular physical activity. Negative associations - indicating partial compensation - were found between transport physical activity during a day, and both total physical activity during the next day and non-transport physical activity during the same day. No differences were found between the four study cohorts. ConclusionsTransport physical activity is compensated partially by older adults during non-transport physical activity. Given the presence of compensation, we strongly recommend evaluations of transport interventions to measure and analyze both non-transport and transport physical activity.

Temporal trends in dancing among adults between 1994 and 2012: The Health Survey for England

The benefits of physical activity are established, however, increasing population physical activity levels remains a challenge. Participating in activities that are enjoyable and multidimensional, such as dancing, are associated with better adherence. However, the extent to which the general population participates in dancing and its temporal trends has not been well studied. The aim of this study was to investigate temporal trends and patterns and correlates of dance participation in England from 1994 to 2012 using a series of large nationally representative surveys.We used data from the Health Survey for England 1994, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2012 to examine dance temporal trends. Temporal trends data were age-standardized and correlates of dance participation were examined for males and females over each study year. Changes in population prevalence of dance participation were determined using multiple logistical regression with 1997 as the reference year.Of all survey participants (n=98,178) 7.8% (95%CI: 7.63–7.96) reported dance participation. There was a marked steady decrease over time, with the steepest decline from 2003 onwards. The multivariable-adjusted odds ratios for dance participation were 0.51 for males (95%CI 0.408–0.630, p<0.001) and 0.69 for females (95%CI: 0.598–0.973, p<0.001) in 2012 compared to 1997.Dance participation in adults in England has decreased markedly over time. This study suggests that dance is not being adequately utilized as a health enhancing physical activity, and therefore further research and resources should be dedicated to supporting dance in the community.

What modes of transport are associated with higher levels of physical activity? Cross-sectional study of New Zealand adults

Abstract Objective Active travel is seen as a way to increase net population physical activity. This paper examines whether people in New Zealand who walk, cycle or use public transport to get to their main weekday activity have higher net physical activity levels. Methods Data come from the nationally representative cross-sectional Health and Lifestyles Surveys undertaken in 2012 and 2014. Logistic regression was used to examine the sociodemographic correlates of walking, cycling or using public transport and to examine associations between mode of transport to main activity and meeting the New Zealand physical activity guidelines. Results People who walk or cycle to their main activity are 76% more likely to meet physical activity guidelines, but those who take public transport are no more likely (OR 1.15 95% CI: 0.80 to 1.65). The association between walking or cycling and meeting physical activity guidelines is seen for both those in-work and those not in-work. Conclusions There are complex cross-sectional relationships between level of physical activity and mode of transport to main activity in New Zealand. Encouraging walking and cycling to main activity may be a way of increasing population physical activity in New Zealand; however the association with public transport needs further investigation.

Health Co-Benefits of Policies to Mitigate Climate Change in the Transport Sector: Systematic Review

Background Theory, common sense and modelling studies suggest that some interventions to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the transport sector can, in addition to the long term benefits from stabilising the global climate, have substantial short term benefits for population health. Policies that encourage active modes of transportation, for example, may increase population physical activity or decrease air pollution exposure. This can reduce the population burden of a number of conditions including some cancers, diabetes, heart disease and dementia. We reviewed the evidence on whether policies that decrease transport sector GHG emissions have a measurable effect on health determinants, population health and/or health inequalities under ‘real world’ conditions. Methods Design: Systematic review. Data sources: We included published and unpublished reports, identified from searching 12 electronic databases, reference lists, existing reviews, websites and contacting experts in the field. Eligibility: Observational or experimental studies with a control group and time series studies were included. Studies were included if they examined a ‘real life’ intervention/policy/natural experiment in the transport sector, and measured health behaviours or outcomes, and calculated GHG emission change. Results We included 22 studies of 11 interventions in four countries. Most studies were of quasi-experimental design and published in the grey literature. Eight were interventions of personalised travel planning, two involved legislative changes (one to enable a congestion charge in Stockholm, one a ‘cash-out’ of employee parking benefits), and one was a multifaceted intervention in three towns to promote sustainable modes of travel. Studies were focused on land transport only and almost exclusively on policies that try to change individual behaviour. There was little assessment of how these interventions could impact on health inequalities. All studies reported decreases in GHG emissions as a result of their interventions; however methods to assess emission changes varied in robustness. Health benefits reported from the studies included modest increases in physical activity (for example an average increase of two to three minutes a day walking for transport purposes) and reductions in mortality from air pollution. Study quality, with one exception, was poor. Conclusions Research quality urgently needs to improve, as does the breadth of the types of interventions studied. There are exciting opportunities for innovative study designs and methodologies to answer research questions in this important area. The need for public health practitioners to work more closely with the transport sector is paramount.

The potential yield of active play in the prevention of cancer

ABSTRACTLiterature has shown that participation in physical activity is associated with a reduction in the incidence of certain cancers. Physical activity levels across the life course are low. Since cellular damage from an inactive lifestyle accumulates over time, promoting physical activity from childhood is fundamental for cancer prevention. To date, interventions to promote physical activity in children have been unsuccessful over the long term. Physical activity can be accrued through several domains including sport and active play. Research suggests that sport participation and not active play tracks from childhood to adulthood. Active play may be easier to promote because it does not necessitate a certain level of skill or competency, and is enjoyable. The purpose of the present paper is to encourage more research into all areas of active play to increase population physical activity levels across the life course and thus aid in the prevention of specific cancers.

“Can we walk?” Environmental supports for physical activity in India

India is currently facing a non-communicable disease epidemic. Physical activity (PA) is a preventative factor for non-communicable diseases. Understanding the role of the built environment (BE) to facilitate or constrain PA is essential for public health interventions to increase population PA. The objective of this study was to understand BEs associations with PA occurring in two major life domains or life areas—travel and leisure—in urban India. Between December 2014 and April 2015, in-person surveys were conducted with participants (N=370; female=47.2%) in Chennai, India. Perceived BE characteristics regarding residential density, land use mix-diversity, land use mix-access, street connectivity, infrastructure for walking and bicycling, aesthetics, traffic safety, and safety from crime were measured using the adapted Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale-India (NEWS-India). Self-reported PA was measured the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. High residential density was associated with greater odds of travel PA (aOR=1.9, 95% CI=1.2, 3.2). Land use mix-diversity was positively related to travel PA (aOR=2.1, 95%CI=1.2, 3.6), but not associated with leisure or total PA. The aggregate NEWS-India score predicted a two-fold increase in odds of travel PA (aOR=1.9, 95% CI=1.1, 3.1) and a 40% decrease in odds of leisure PA (aOR=0.6, 95% CI=0.4, 1.0). However, the association of the aggregated score with leisure PA was not significant. Results suggest that relationships between BE and PA in low-and-middle income countries may be context-specific, and may differ markedly from higher income countries. Findings have public health implications for India suggesting that caution should be taken when translating evidence across countries.

Effects of new motorway infrastructure on actively travelled journey stages in the local population. A retrospective repeat cross-sectional study 2009-10 to 2012-13, Scotland.

Background: Promoting walking and cycling is an important part of increasing population physical activity, which has physical and mental health benefits. One forecast benefit of the new 5-mile M74 ...

Effects of new motorway infrastructure on active travel in the local population: a retrospective repeat cross-sectional study in Glasgow, Scotland.

BackgroundPromoting active travel is an important part of increasing population physical activity, which has both physical and mental health benefits. A key benefit described by the then Scottish Government of the five-mile M74 motorway extension, which opened during June 2011 in the south of Glasgow, was that the forecast reduction in motor traffic on local streets would make these streets safer for walking and cycling, thus increasing active travel by the local population. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of new motorway infrastructure on the proportion of journey stages made actively (cycling or on foot) by individuals travelling in and out of the local area.MethodsData for the periods 2009–10 and 2012–13 were extracted from the Scottish Household Survey (SHS) travel diaries, which record each journey stage made during the previous day by a representative sample of the Scottish population aged 16 and over. Each individual journey stage was assigned to one of the following study areas surrounding existing and new transport infrastructure: (1) an area surrounding the new M74 motorway extension (n = 435 (2009–10), 543 (2012–13)), (2) a comparator area surrounding an existing motorway (n = 477 (2009–10), 560 (2012–13)), and (3) a control area containing no comparable motorway infrastructure (n = 541 (2009–10), 593 (2012–13)). Multivariable, multi-level regression analysis was performed to determine any between-area differences in change in active travel over time, which might indicate an intervention effect. Reference populations were defined using two alternative definitions, (1) Glasgow City and (2) Glasgow and surrounding local authorities.ResultsThe results showed an increase in the proportion of journey stages using active travel in all study areas compared to both reference populations. However, there were no significant between-area differences to suggest an effect attributable the M74 motorway extension.ConclusionsThere was no clear evidence that the M74 motorway extension either increased or decreased active travel in the local area. The anticipation by policy makers that reduced motorised traffic on local streets might increase journeys walked or cycled appears to have been unfounded.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12966-016-0403-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The First National Study of Neighborhood Parks: Implications for Physical Activity.

An extensive infrastructure of neighborhood parks supports leisure time physical activity in most U.S. cities; yet, most Americans do not meet national guidelines for physical activity. Neighborhood parks have never been assessed nationally to identify their role in physical activity. Using a stratified multistage sampling strategy, a representative sample of 174 neighborhood parks in 25 major cities (population >100,000) across the U.S. was selected. Park use, park-based physical activity, and park conditions were observed during a typical week using systematic direct observation during spring/summer of 2014. Park administrators were interviewed to assess policies and practices. Data were analyzed in 2014-2015 using repeated-measure negative binomial regressions to estimate weekly park use and park-based physical activity. Nationwide, the average neighborhood park of 8.8 acres averaged 20 users/hour or an estimated 1,533 person hours of weekly use. Walking loops and gymnasia each generated 221 hours/week of moderate to vigorous physical activity. Seniors represented 4% of park users, but 20% of the general population. Parks were used less in low-income than in high-income neighborhoods, largely explained by fewer supervised activities and marketing/outreach efforts. Programming and marketing were associated with 37% and 63% more hours of moderate to vigorous physical activity/week in parks, respectively. The findings establish national benchmarks for park use, which can guide future park investments and management practices to improve population health. Offering more programming, using marketing tools like banners and posters, and installing facilities like walking loops, may help currently underutilized parks increase population physical activity.