Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Research Articles

Validation of the physical activity neighborhood environment scale using geographic information systems among urban men and women in regional China

AimsTo examine the concurrent validity of the Chinese version of Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale (PANES-CHN) among urban adults in regional China. MethodsWith multistage sampling approaches, 801 eligible urban adults aged 35–74 years were recruited from Nanjing municipality of China between July and September of 2019. The neighbourhood built environment features were measured subjectively with PANES-CHN and objectively with geographic information system. The concurrent validity of PANES was assessed using Spearman’s correlations (rs). ResultsAmong the total 801 participants, the mean age was 54.4 (standard deviation = 11.5), while 48.7 % were men. Overall, of all the five objectively-measurable built environment characteristics, the Spearman correlations were examined significant between subjective and objective measurements for commercial facilities (item 2) (rs = 0.19, 95CI%=0.12, 0.25), recreational facilities (item 6) (rs = 0.10, 95CI%=0.02, 0.16), traffic junctions (item 12) (rs = 0.15, 95CI%=0.07, 0.22), medical/education facilities (item 17) (rs = 0.22, 95CI%=0.15, 0.29), but not for public transport stops. Similar scenarios were observed for participants aged 35–60 years, with sufficient physical activity, men or women. The rs value for medical/education facilities (item 17) was significantly higher in participants aged 35–59 years (0.28 vs. 0.13; p = 0.04) than those aged 60 + years. ConclusionsPANES-CHN generally has an acceptable validity for assessing built environment characteristics among urban adults in China, which implies that PANES-CHN can be used to measure built environment attributes in health-related population studies.

Association of Perceived Neighborhood Environments With Cognitive Function in Older Adults.

The current study examined the associations between perceptions of the social and physical neighborhood environments and cognitive function in older adults. This cross-sectional study analyzed 821 adults aged ≥65 years from the Adult Changes in Thought study. Perceived neighborhood attributes were measured by the Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale. Cognitive function was assessed using the Cognitive Ability Screening Instrument. The associations were tested using multivariate linear regression. One point greater perceived access to public transit was associated with 0.56 points greater cognitive function score (95% confidence interval [CI] [0.25, 0.88]), and an additional one point of perceived sidewalk coverage was related to 0.22 points higher cognitive function score (95% CI [0.00, 0.45]) after controlling for sociodemographic factors. The perception of neighborhood attributes alongside physical infrastructure may play an important role in supporting older adults' cognitive function. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49(8), 35-41.].

Construct validity of the physical activity neighborhood environment scale-Oman.

This study aims to examine the construct validity of Physical Activity Neighborhoods Environment Scales, Oman (PANES-O), and compare the subjective perceptions with objective measures in Muscat, the capital area of Oman. Walkability index scores using GIS maps were calculated for 35 study areas in Muscat based on which five low and 5 high walkable study areas were randomly selected. A community survey was then conducted in November 2020 in each study area using the 16-item PANES-O instrument to measure the participants' perception of neighborhood density, land use mix, infrastructure, safety, aesthetics, and street connectivity. Due to pandemic restrictions, a social media-based purposive sampling strategy was utilized to reach community-based networks and complete digital data collection. Significant differences between the low and high walkablehigh-walkable neighborhoods were observed for 2 of 3 macroenvironment subscales, density and land use. Respondents in high walkable neighborhoods perceived their areas as having more twin villas (P = 0.001) and apartment buildings (P < 0.001), greater access to destinations (like more shops, and places to go within walking distance; P < 0.001), easy access to public transport (P < 0.001), and more places to be active (P < 0.001); than their counterparts in low walkable neighborhoods. In terms of microenvironmental attributes, respondents in high walkablehigh-walkable neighborhoods perceived their areas to have better infrastructure, better aesthetic qualities, and better social environment than their counterparts in low walkablelow-walkable neighborhoods. Significant differences in perceptions across 12 of the 16-item PANES tool confirmed that 6 of the 7 subscales were significantly sensitive to built environment attributes between the low and high walkable study areas. Respondents in high walkable neighborhoods perceived their areas as having greater access to destinations (like more shops, places to go within walking distance; P ≤ 0.001), easy access to public transport (P ≤ 0.001), more places to be active (P ≤ 0.001), better infrastructure (like more sidewalks, facilities to bicycle; P ≤ 0.001), and better aesthetic qualities (P ≤ 0.001). PANES-O also was able to rate high walkable neighborhoods to be higher in residential density and land-use mix compared to the low walkable neighborhoods demonstrating its sensitivity to the GIS maps' objective measures. These results provide preliminary strong support for the construct validity of PANES-O, suggestingconfirming that it is a promising tool for assessing macroenvironmental perceptions related to physical activity in Oman. Further research using objective measures of microenvironments and device-based physical activity scores is needed to confirm the criterion validity of the 10 micro-environmental attributes of PANES-O using objective measures for the microenvironment. PANES-O could be used to generate and develop the needed evidence on the most appropriate approaches to improving the built environment to promote physical activity and urban planning in Omanthe country.

Physical Activity, Physical Function and Neighborhood Environment Adaptation Among Older Adults Dwelling in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria

Background: Consequent upon the increasing pressure on health system created by growing population of older adults, attention has been channeled to ways to smoothen the aging process among older adults including studying on their physical activity (PA), physical function (PF) and neighborhood environment adaptation (NEA). This study aimed to determine the level and interrelationships between PA, PF and NEA among older adults dwelling in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria. Methodology: This is a cross sectional study involving 150 older adults (56% females; mean age = 72.57±6.32 years) consecutively recruited from communities in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Physical Function Activity Scale (SF-36) and Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment scale in Nigeria (PANES-N) were used to assess physical activity, physical function and neighborhood environment adaptation among the participants respectively. Data was analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, mean, standard deviation and spearman’s correlation test at alpha level of 0.05. Results: The mean total of PA, PF, and NEA scores were 1324±1124.35MET-min/week (adequate), 60.58±17.44 (dependent), 2.32±0.27 (moderate) respectively. PF had direct correlation with PA (rho=0.69; p=<0.001) and general health (rho=0.51; p=<0.01). There was no significant correlation between PF and NEA (rho=0.15; p=0.07). PA had direct correlation with NEA (rho=0.34; p=<0.01) and general health (rho=0.65; p=<0.01) also having inverse correlation with each of age (rho=-0.58; p=<0.01) and education attainment (rho=-0.17; p=0.04) of the participants. There was inverse correlation between age and PF (rho=-0.63; p=<0.01) and each of NEA (rho=-0.19; p=0.02) and general health (rho=-0.57; p=<0.01) of the participants. Conclusion: Older adults dwelling in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria had adequate PA, dependent in PF and moderate NEA. Their PA correlated with each of their PF and NEA. This suggests that improvement of PA among older adults ameliorate their problem with PF and NEA.

Influence of neighborhood environment and social support on physical activity among patients with diabetes mellitus

This study was aimed to determine the relationship of physical activity (PA) with the neighborhood environment and social support for PA among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM).&lt;b&gt; &lt;/b&gt;A total of 193 consenting individuals with DM attending endocrinology clinic in a Nigerian tertiary hospital participated in this cross-sectional study. The&lt;b&gt; &lt;/b&gt;international physical activity questionnaire short form, physical activity neighborhood environment scale (PANES), and physical activity and social support scale (PASSS) were used to assess the PA level (low, moderate, and high), neighborhood environment and social support for PA, respectively. The results of bivariate analyses showed that all elements of built environment and social support were significantly associated with PA. Regression model analyses indicate that PANES score was associated with moderate (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 10.76; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.82-30.32) to high (aOR: 45.73; 95% CI: 12.14-172.27) PA. In addition, easy access to quality walking facilities (aOR: 46.53; 95% CI: 3.89-557.32; aOR: 46.13; 95% CI: 2.65-802.40) and easy access to recreation infrastructure (aOR: 46.89; 95% CI: 3.95-487.83; aOR: 17.99; 95% CI: 1.28-252.98) were associated with moderate to high PA, respectively, while safety from crime (aOR: 0.21; 95% CI: 0.07-0.64) and easy access to services and shops (aOR: 21.90; 95% CI: 1.83-262.59) were associated with moderate and high PA. Informational social support was associated with moderate PA (aOR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.04-2.00). In conclusion, the neighborhood environmental and social support factors were associated with the PA activity level among Nigerian patients with DM.

Associations Between Perceived Neighborhood Walkability and Device-Based Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Patterns in Older Adults.

Neighborhood walkability has been associated with self-reported sedentary behavior (SB) and self-reported and objective physical activity. However, self-reported measures of SB are inaccurate and can lead to biased estimates, and few studies have examined how associations differ by gender and age. The authors examined the relationships between perceived neighborhood walkability measured with the Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale (scored 1.0-4.0) and device-based SB and physical activity in a cohort of community-dwelling older adults (N = 1,077). The authors fit linear regression models adjusting for device wear time, demographics, self-rated health, and accounting for probability of participation. The Higher Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale was associated with higher steps (+676 steps/point on the Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale, p = .001) and sit-to-stand transitions (+2.4 transitions/point, p = .018). Though not statistically significant, stratified analyses suggest an attenuation of effect for those aged 85 years and older and for women. Consistent with previous literature, neighborhood walkability was associated with more steps, though not with physical activity time. The neighborhood environment may also influence SB.

Adaptation of the Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale in Oman.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to adapt the Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale (PANES), which is a 17-item tool for assessing environmental factors relevant for walking and bicycling in the community, to the Omani context.MethodsThe adaptation process was conducted in three steps: (1) revision by local experts, (2) Arabic translation and cognitive testing and (3) test-retest reliability testing with a sample of 33 Omani women and men, between September 2016 and August 2017.ResultsFour of the 17 items of the PANES were modified and one was removed, resulting in a 16-item PANES, Oman (PANES-O) questionnaire. The test-retest reliability scores ranged from 0.436–1.000; scores for more than half (n = 9) were almost perfect (0.8–1.0), demonstrating a good level of consistency and good psychometric performance similar to other studies.ConclusionThe PANES-O demonstrated good test-retest reliability and appears to be a promising tool for assessing environmental perceptions related to physical activity in Oman. However, construct validity should be confirmed before wider use.

Neighborhood Environment, Active Commute, and Healthy BMI in Adolescents

The prevalence of obesity has become a primary risk factor for adolescents’ health, which is an essential factor in poverty reduction and sustainable development. Physical activity can help adolescents reduce obesity risk and keep a healthy body mass index (BMI). We analyze the 2010 National Youth Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey (NYPANS) for U.S. school students from 9th to 12th grades (aging from 12 to 18). A latent variable analysis explored the relationship between adolescents’ BMI, physical activity, and physical and social environment. We found that Hispanic adolescents have higher BMI because they participate in fewer physical activities. We found that active commuting to school does not provide sufficient physical activity to keep a healthy BMI. The neighborhood environment for physical activity, such as public exercise and recreational center facilities, can reduce BMI but cannot help underweight adolescents increase BMI. Finally, spending too much leisure time on electronic entertainment, such as video games, is a dominating contributor to unhealthy BMI. These research outcomes suggest that providing a physical activity-friendly environment for adolescents, such as the facilities for physical activity in the neighborhood, is critical to a healthy BMI. Interventions that encourage physical activity and reduce leisure time on electronic entertainment to meet physical activity guidelines are also necessary.

Physical Fitness And Neighborhood Design - Walkability, Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Muscular Strength, And Flexibility In Adults

Regular physical activity can improve physical fitness levels and promote health. Consistent evidence suggests an association between the neighborhood built environment and physical activity exists, yet few studies have investigated the contribution of the neighborhood built environment to fitness levels in adults. PURPOSE: To investigate the associations between objectively-determined and self-reported neighborhood walkability and perceived cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, and flexibility. METHOD: We recruited a random sample of 592 adults (≥18 years of age) from Calgary (Canada). Participants provided complete data to an online questionnaire capturing perceived cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscular strength (MS), and flexibility, frequency of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), frequency of strength training, and sociodemographic characteristics. The questionnaire also captured participant’s perceptions of their neighborhood’s walkability (Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale; PANES) and the physical activity supportiveness of neighborhood parks (Park Perceptions Index; PPI). Objectively-measured walkability was estimated using Walk Score® assigned to each participant’s residential postal code. Covariate-adjusted linear regression estimated the associations between the built environment and perceived fitness variables. RESULTS: The average age of participants was 46.6 (14.8) years and 67.2% were female. Participants, on average, participated in at least 30-minutes of MVPA on 3.4 (2.1) days/week and reported strength training 2.0 (1.8) days/week. Walk Score® was not associated with any fitness variables. The PANES index was positively associated (p<.05) with CRF, MS, flexibility and overall fitness and the PPI was positively associated (p<.05) with all fitness variables except MS. CONCLUSION: Our novel findings suggest the neighborhood built environment has the potential to support and promote higher fitness levels in adults.

Active and Fit Communities. Associations between Neighborhood Walkability and Health-Related Fitness in Adults.

There are many health benefits of regular physical activity and improving physical fitness levels can reduce the risk of chronic disease. Accumulating evidence suggests the neighborhood built environment is important for supporting physical activity; however, few studies have investigated the contribution of the neighborhood built environment to fitness levels. We examined the associations between objectively-determined and self-reported neighborhood walkability and overall and specific components of perceived health-related fitness (cardiorespiratory, muscular strength, and flexibility) in a random sample of 592 adults from two areas of Calgary (Canada). Participants provided complete data to an online questionnaire capturing perceived cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), muscular strength (MST), flexibility, moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA), resistance training, and sociodemographic characteristics. The questionnaire also captured participant’s perceptions of their neighborhood’s walkability (Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale; PANES) and the physical activity supportiveness of neighborhood parks (Park Perceptions Index; PPI). Objectively-measured neighborhood walkability was estimated using Walk Score®. The average (SD) age of participants was 46.6 (14.8) years and 67.2% were female. Participants, on average, participated in at least 30-minutes of MVPA on 3.4 (2.1) days/week and undertook resistance training 2.0 (1.8) days/week. Adjusting for covariates, Walk Score® was not associated with any fitness outcomes. Adjusting for covariates, the PANES index was positively associated (p < 0.05) with CRF, MST, flexibility, and overall fitness and the PPI was positively associated (p < 0.05) with all fitness outcomes except MST. Our findings provide novel preliminary evidence suggesting the neighborhood built environment may be important for supporting higher health-related fitness levels in adults.

ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN NEIGHBORHOOD CHARACTERISTICS AND SITTING PATTERNS IN OLDER ADULTS

Neighborhood characteristics are associated with self-reported sedentary behavior (SB) in older adults. However, self-report measures are not able to accurately assess total sitting time nor detailed patterns of SB. This analysis explores the relationship between device-based SB variables from activPAL and neighborhood characteristics (demographics) in the ACT cohort. Neighborhood characteristics were assessed with the modified Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale (PANES; scored 1.0-4.0, higher score, higher walkability). Data were analyzed using linear regression models adjusted for demographic factors. Higher PANES score was associated with higher daily steps (+1180 daily steps/point on PANES, p<0.001) and sit-to-stand transitions (+2.7 daily transitions/point on PANES, p=0.004). Confirming other studies, neighborhood walkability promotes physical activity. A novel finding was that sitting interruptions, which can only be assessed with devices, were also associated with higher neighborhood walkability, while total sitting time was not.

The Association of Perceived Neighborhood Walkability and Environmental Pollution With Frailty Among Community-dwelling Older Adults in Korean Rural Areas: A Cross-sectional Study.

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the associations of frailty with perceived neighborhood walkability and environmental pollution among community-dwelling older adults in rural areas.MethodsThe participants were 808 community-dwelling men and women aged 65 years and older in 2 rural towns. Comprehensive information, including demographics, socioeconomic status, grip strength, polypharmacy, perceived neighborhood environment (specifically, walkability and environmental pollution), and frailty, was collected from participants using face-to-face interviews conducted between June and August 2018. Perceived neighborhood walkability was measured using 20 items that were selected and revised from the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale, the Neighborhood Walkability Checklist from the National Heart Foundation of Australia, and the Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Survey. The Kaigo-Yobo Checklist was used to assess participants’ frailty.ResultsThe overall prevalence of frailty in this community-dwelling population was 35.5%. Sex, age, cohabitation status, educational attainment, employment status, grip strength, and polypharmacy were significantly associated with frailty. In the logistic regression analysis, frailty was associated with low perceived neighborhood walkability (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.881; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.833 to 0.932; p<0.001) and severe perceived neighborhood environmental pollution (aOR, 1.052; 95% CI, 1.017 to 1.087; p=0.003) after adjusting for sex, age, cohabitation status, educational attainment, employment status, monthly income, grip strength, and polypharmacy.ConclusionsMore studies are warranted to establish causal relationships between walkability and environmental pollution and frailty.

The association of perceived neighborhood walkability and environmental pollution with frailty among community-dwelling older adults in rural areas

OPS 31: Health effects of multiple environmental stressors, Room 412, Floor 4, August 27, 2019, 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Background/Aim: Frailty is one of the most problematic expression of population ageing. Older adults are often targeted for interventions to prevent frailty, especially interventions that focus on physical activity and socialization. However, the role of neighborhood environments in influencing old people’s physical activity levels, social participation and accessibility has not been fully investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of perceived neighborhood walkability and environmental pollution with frailty among community-dwelling older adults in rural areas. Methods: Participants were 807 community-dwelling men and women aged 65 years and older in two rural towns. Comprehensive information, including demographics, socioeconomic status, grip strength, polypharmacy, perceived neighborhood environments (walkability and environmental pollution), and frailty, was collected using face-to-face interviews in June 2018 to August 2018. Walkability was measured using 20 items selected and revised from the Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scales (NEWS), the Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Survey (PANES), and the Neighborhood Walkability Checklist from National Heart Foundation in Australia. The Kaigo-Yobo Checklist was used to assess participants’ frailty. Results: The overall prevalence of frailty in this community-dwelling population was 35.6%. Compare to the non-frail participants, the frail individuals were female, older, living alone, having lower education level, unemployed, having poor grip strength, taking more than three medicines. Frailty was associated with lower perceived neighborhood walkability (odds ratio [OR] = 0.881, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.834-0.932, p < 0.001) and worse perceived neighborhood environmental pollution (OR = 1.051, 95% CI = 1.017-1.087, p = 0.003) after adjustment for sex, age, solitariness, education level, employment status, monthly income, grip strength, and polypharmacy. Conclusions: It is needed to improve local environments as well as personal physical, mental, and social health to prevent or reverse frailty in rural areas where population ageing is more severe and built environment is worse than urban areas.

Determinants of physical activity: A path model based on an ecological model of active living.

Maintaining physical activity is necessary to promote health in our daily lives. The Ecological Model of Active Living was proposed to examine whether individuals participate in active living. The purpose of this study was to understand the determinants of physical activity and create a predictive path model of the intrapersonal, perceived environment, behavior settings, and policy environment domains. Data were obtained from open government data and questionnaires, including the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Health Belief Model Inventory, Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Survey, and Accessibility of Open Spaces. Participants comprised 1085 healthy adults who completed a self-reported internet survey. An analysis of the intrapersonal domain revealed that the variables of female, an older age, and a low educational level, and individuals with obesity or cardiometabolic diseases presented lower odds ratios for active living. We found significant statistical support for our path model (The Ecological Model of Active Living), with a predictive power of 23.1%. The predictive path model is a good approach to quantitatively measure the impacts of various determinants on active living that suggests further lines of research in approaches for modeling relationships.

Test–retest Reliability and Construct Validity of an Online and Paper Administered Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale (PANES)

ABSTRACTThe Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale (PANES) has been used internationally; however, PANES properties have not been assessed in all geographical contexts. Our objectives were to assess the reliability and validity of an online and paper version of the PANES in Canadian adults. Reliability was estimated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), percent of overall agreement (p0) and Cohen’s Kappa coefficient (κ). Lower 95% confidence interval (CI) ICC ranged from 0.10 to 0.70. Lower 95%CI for κ statistics ranged from −0.20 to 0.64 and p0 ranged from 80.1% to 95.7%. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients (α) estimated internal consistency of the PANES (α = 0.58 for the paper version and α = 0.55 for the online version). Mean scores for the PANES Built Environment Index (BEI) significantly differed by neighborhood street pattern (p < .05). The PANES administrated via paper or online provides reliable overall agreement and valid estimates of the self-reported neighborhood built environment supportiveness of physical activity.

The perceived neighborhood environment is associated with health-enhancing physical activity among adults: a cross-sectional survey of 13 townships in Taiwan

BackgroundMany environmental factors have been associated with physical activity. The environment is considered a key factor in terms of the rate of engagement in physical activity. This study examined the perceived effect of environmental factors on different levels of health-enhancing physical activity among Taiwanese adults.MethodsData were collected from 549 adults aged at least 18 years from the northern, central, southern and eastern regions of Taiwan. Physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) showcard version, and participants were divided into three categories: those who performed low-, moderate-, or high-levels of physical activity, as suggested by the IPAQ scoring protocol. The perceived neighborhood environment in relation to physical activity was adapted from the Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale. A multinomial logistic regression was conducted to ascertain associations between individual perceptions of the neighborhood environment and different physical activity levels.ResultsRespondents who perceived their neighborhood environment as having easy access to services and stores, and higher traffic safety were more likely to be moderate level of physical activity (odds ratio [OR]: 1.90, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.07–3.37; OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.12–2.80). The perception of having easy access to services and stores and seeing many physically active people in the neighborhood were both positively associated with a high level of physical activity (OR: 2.25, 95% CI: 1.01–5.01; OR: 2.40, 95% CI: 1.11–5.23).ConclusionsDifferent perceived neighborhood environmental factors were associated with moderate and high levels of physical activity, respectively. These findings highlight the importance of an activity-friendly neighborhood environment to stimulate engagement in physical activity among adults in Taiwan. Therefore, policies and programs should focus on improving friendliness and diversity in neighborhoods to facilitate individuals’ transitions from inactive to active lifestyles.

Association between perceived access to public transport stops and physical activity among adults in Nanjing, Mainland China: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe public transport access, an important dimension of neighborhood built environments and usually defined as the access to public transport stops/stations (PTS), has been revealed to be associated with more participation in physical activity (PA) in western countries. The perceptions of such features could have additional benefits to healthy behaviors. However, such research is lacking in developing countries. This study aimed to explore the association between perceived PTS access and PA participation among urban adults in China. MethodsA population-based cross-sectional survey conducted in Nanjing in 2017 was used, where 1,568 participants aged 35–74 were recruited from eight randomly selected urban neighborhoods under a multi-stage sampling strategy. The individual's PTS access and PA participation were self-reported using the Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, respectively. Mixed-effect logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between perceived PTS access and PA participation. ResultsAmong 1,551 participants who completed the survey, 84.7% of participants achieved the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended PA level. After adjusting for potential individual- and neighborhood-level confounders, participants who perceived a PTS within 10–15 min’ walking distance from their residence were 3.18 (95%CI = [1.74, 5.80]) times more likely to meet WHO recommended PA guidelines than their counterparts who did not perceive any PTS in their neighborhoods. This association also held true in either men (OR = 2.71, 95%CI = [1.07, 6.86]) or women (OR = 3.50, 95%CI = [1.59, 7.70]), separately. ConclusionsSuch findings will provide health practitioners and urban planners evidence-based insights on potential health effects of expanding and improving public transport systems, and on how to incorporate these effects into strategies of PA promotion and chronic disease prevention.

Test-retest reliability of Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale among urban men and women in Nanjing, China

ObjectivesThe identification of physical-activity–friendly built environment (BE) constructs is highly useful for physical activity promotion and maintenance. The Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale (PANES) was developed for assessing BE correlates. However, PANES reliability has not been investigated among adults in China. Study designA cross-sectional study. MethodsWith multistage sampling approaches, 1568 urban adults (aged 35–74 years) were recruited for the initial survey on all 17 items of PANES Chinese version (PANES-CHN), with the survey repeated 7 days later for each participant. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess the test-retest reliability of PANES-CHN for each item. ResultsTotally, 1551 participants completed both surveys (follow-up rate = 98.9%). Among participants (mean age: 54.7 ± 11.1 years), 47.8% were men, 22.1% were elders, and 22.7% had ≥13 years of education. Overall, the PANES-CHN demonstrated at least substantial reliability with ICCs ranging from 0.66 to 0.95 (core items), from 0.75 to 0.95 (recommended items), and from 0.78 to 0.87 (optional items). Similar outcomes were observed when data were analyzed by gender or age groups. ConclusionThe PANES-CHN has excellent test-retest reliability and thus has valuable utility for assessing urban BE attributes among Chinese adults.

Perceived urban neighborhood environment for physical activity of older adults in Seoul, Korea: A multimethod qualitative study

This study assessed the attributes of a perceived urban neighborhood environment for the physical activity (PA) of older adults by applying a qualitative multimethod approach to collect both descriptive and spatial information. Conducted in a northern community of Seoul, Korea, from April 2014 to November 2015, data collection methods included 90 walking tours by researchers, 46 face-to-face, semi-structured interviews combined with qualitative mapping with senior residents aged 65+, 19 guided tours with the interviewees, and 3 focus groups with 12 community service providers. Thematic analysis and pattern finding were performed on the data. Walking was the main type of PA of the older adults. Nine attributes of perceived neighborhood environment for PA were identified under three themes: daily living (everyday life activities, mobility, social opportunities, diverse destinations); the multidimensionality of accessibility (physical, economic, psychosocial), and attractiveness and pleasantness (maintenance, aesthetics). The subcategories of the attributes included proximity, access to public transportation, walkability, cost-worthiness, low or no cost, familiarity, sense of welcoming, sociocultural appropriateness, fair access, order and upkeep, safety, openness, cleanliness, and interestingness. Strategies to generate more movement and activities in the everyday routine of the elderly should be a core task for health promotion and neighborhood design. A strategic application of multiple qualitative methods can create an opportunity to build contextual understanding and to generate ideas in interactions with the community.

Perceived and Objective Measures of Neighborhood Environment for Physical Activity Among Mexican Adults, 2011.

IntroductionEnvironmental supports for physical activity may help residents to be physically active. However, such supports might not help if residents’ perceptions of the built environment do not correspond with objective measures. We assessed the associations between objective and perceived measures of the built environment among adults in Cuernavaca, Mexico, and examined whether certain variables modified this relationship.MethodsWe conducted a population-based (n = 645) study in 2011 that used objective (based on geographic information systems) and perceived (by questionnaire) measures of the following features of the built environment: residential density, mixed-land use, intersection density, and proximity to parks and transit stops. We used linear regression to assess the adjusted associations between these measures and to identify variables modifying these relationships.ResultsAdjusted associations were significant for all features (P < .05) except intersection density and proximity to transit stops. Significantly stronger associations between perceived and objective measures were observed among participants with low socioeconomic status, participants who did not own a motor vehicle or did not meet physical activity recommendations, and participants perceiving parks as safe.ConclusionPerceived measures of residential density, mixed-land use, and proximity to parks are associated with objective environmental measures related to physical activity. However, in Mexico, it should not be assumed that perceived measures of intersection density and proximity to transit stops are the same as objective measures. Our results are consistent with those from high-income countries in that associations between perceived and objective measures are modified by individual sociodemographic and psychosocial factors.