Recreational Walking Research Articles

Device-measured vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (VILPA) and major adverse cardiovascular events: evidence of sex differences.

Vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (VILPA) refers to brief bouts of intense physical activity embedded into daily life. To examine sex differences in the dose-response association of VILPA with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and its subtypes. Using multivariable-adjusted cubic splines, we examined the associations of daily VILPA duration with overall MACE and its subtypes (incident myocardial infarction, heart failure and stroke) among non-exercisers (individuals self-reporting no leisure-time exercise and no more than one recreational walk per week) in the UK Biobank. We also undertook analogous analyses for vigorous physical activity among exercisers (individuals self-reporting participation in leisure-time exercise and/or recreational walking more than once a week). Among 13 018 women and 9350 men, there were 331 and 488 all MACE, respectively, over a 7.9-year follow-up. In women, daily VILPA duration exhibited a near-linear dose-response association with all MACE, myocardial infarction and heart failure. In men, dose-reponse curves were less clear with less evidence of statistical signifigance. Compared with women with no VILPA, women's median daily VILPA duration of 3.4 min was associated with hazard ratios (HRs; 95% confidence intervals) of 0.55 (0.41 to 0.75) for all MACE and 0.33 (0.18 to 0.59) for heart failure. Women's minimum doses of 1.2-1.6 min of VILPA per day were associated with HRs of 0.70 (0.58 to 0.86) for all MACE, 0.67 (0.50 to 0.91) for myocardial infarction, and 0.60 (0.45 to 0.81) for heart failure. The equivalent analyses in UK Biobank's accelerometry sub-study exercisers suggested no appreciable sex differences in dose-response. Among non-exercising women, small amounts of VILPA were associated with a substantially lower risk of all MACE, myocardial infarction and heart failure. VILPA may be a promising physical activity target for cardiovascular disease prevention, particularly in women unable or not willing to engage in formal exercise.

Interaction of perceived Chinese campus walkability and psychosocial factors on college students’ walking behavior

Walking, a physical activity beneficial for both physical and mental health, is influenced by various factors. Although previous studies have acknowledged that walking behavior is influenced by environmental and psychosocial factors, little is known about their interactions. Based on a socio-ecological model and focusing on Chinese college students, the purpose of this study was to examine the influence of campus walkability and psychosocial factors on college students’ walking behavior, including the interactions between these factors. This study seeks to enhance understanding of how to promote walking behavior through campus environmental design and psychological interventions. Multiple regression analysis was conducted on the questionnaire data. Findings revealed that campus walkability significantly influenced both walking behaviors, alongside psychosocial factors such as attitude, self-efficacy, perceived benefits, perceived barriers, and subject norms. Additionally, significant differences in interaction effects between these factors were observed for purposeful versus recreational walking behaviors. These interactions suggest that campus walkability more substantially promotes walking behavior in students with negative psychosocial factors, whereas its impact is less pronounced in those with positive psychosocial factors. The results underscore the need to focus not only on developing walkable environments but also on understanding the synergies with the psychosocial factors of target populations, offering crucial insights for campus planning and health promotion practices.

Comparative study on the association between types of physical activity, physical activity levels, and the incidence of osteoarthritis in adults: the NHANES 2007–2020

It is known that physical activity is beneficial for the prevention of osteoarthritis (OA), but specific discussions on which types and levels of physical activity are more effective in reducing the incidence of OA are restricted. This study is aimed at exploring the correlation concerning the types of physical activity, levels of physical activity, and the incidence of OA by assessing the participation in five typical forms of physical activity (vigorous work activity, vigorous recreational activity, moderate work activity, moderate recreational activity, and walking or bicycling). Cross-sectional study was conducted. Self-reported data on specific types of physical activity were obtained from individuals in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2007 to 2020 with the use of the Physical Activity Questionnaire (PAQ). The incidence of OA was assessed through the "Health Conditions" questionnaire section of NHANES. Weighted logistic regression analysis was employed to study the correlation between physical activity types and levels, and the incidence of OA. Different kinds of physical activity and physical activity levels have varying impacts on the incidence of OA. Among the types of physical activity, vigorous recreational activity and moderate recreational activity are found to have a preventive effect on OA. In terms of physical activity levels, low physical activity levels of moderate work activity are associated with an increased risk of OA, while moderate physical activity levels are confirmed to have a protective effect against OA in the age groups of 20–44 and 45–64. However, gender-stratified analyses reveal that both low and moderate physical activity levels provide protection against OA in males, with moderate physical activity levels showing a more significant protective effect.

58 Recreational walking and perceived environmental qualities in Denmark

Abstract Purpose The objective of this study is to investigate the variety of motivations behind recreational walking among individuals with diverse sociodemographic backgrounds. Additionally, we aim to employ a dynamic, person-centered approach to assess recreational walking behaviors geographically, along with preferences for the quality of places associated with recreational walking. Methods A survey conducted via the map-based platform Maptionnaire included 1838 adult respondents (aged 15-90 years) who engage in recreational walking. Georeferenced data regarding respondents’ home locations, other starting points for walking excursions, and points of interest along their routes were collected. Utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS), distances between home and other starting points, as well as points of interest, were calculated. Traditional questionnaire functions in Maptionnaire were also employed to gather additional information on recreational walking behaviors and motivations. Results Predominant motivations for recreational walking included mental well-being, physical health, enjoyment, and experiential aspects of walking. Individuals with tertiary education exhibited a positive correlation with motivations related to mental well-being, experiences, and outdoor activities with pets and children. Higher income levels were associated with experiences, walking with pets, enjoyment of walking, and socializing while walking. Our map-based approach revealed that recreational walking often commences at locations distant from home and is not confined to the immediate neighborhood. A total of 4598 points of interest were identified, with the most frequently cited place qualities being green spaces, water bodies, wildlife, scenic views, and tranquility. Conclusion Employing a dynamic, person-centered methodology allowed respondents to pinpoint relevant locations for their walking activities, irrespective of their residential neighborhoods. Recreational walking frequently begins away from home or extends beyond the nearest neighborhood. The median distance from home to mapped points of interest ranged between 1.0 and 1.6 km for home-based trips and between 9.4 and 30.6 km for trips originating from other locations. Greenery, water features, wildlife, scenic views, and tranquility emerged as the most favored place qualities associated with the mapped points. Support/Funding Source ‘Moving Denmark’ is funded by the Danish philanthropic foundation NordeaFonden (https://nordeafonden.dk/about-nordea-fonden).

Crime-related perceptions and walking for recreation inside and outside one's home neighborhood

It is widely assumed crime and related concerns, including neighborhood incivilities and fear of crime, are barriers to physical activity (PA). Past studies reveal mixed evidence. Studies of impacts for crime-protective factors are less common but have similarly mixed results. This paper evaluates a comprehensive transdisciplinary conceptual framework of cross-sectional associations between crime-related perceptions and reported minutes/week of recreational walking inside and outside one's home neighborhood. Safe and Fit Environments Study (SAFE) recruited and surveyed 2302 participants from adolescents to older adults from four U.S. metropolitan areas. A zero-inflated model estimated two components of each outcome: whether the respondent walked, and minutes/week walked. Correlates of recreational walking were location-specific, differing based on walking location. Fear of crime, risk evaluation, victimization, and incivilities were not consistently associated with walking for recreation inside one's neighborhood. People with crime concerns about their own neighborhoods, however, more commonly walked for recreation outside their neighborhoods. Protective crime-related perceptions that seldom have been studied in relation to PA, such as street efficacy (i.e., the perceived ability to avoid and manage danger), were strongly associated with recreational walking in both locations, indicating the additional heuristic value of the SAFE conceptual framework.Crime-related perceptions and walking for recreation: Evaluating a conceptual model.

Can good neighbourhood perception magnify the positive effect of favourable built environment on recreational walking in China?

BackgroundIt remains unknown whether good neighbourhood perception can enhance the benefits of favourable built environment to physical activity. Moreover, the moderation pattern is less understood in developing countries.ObjectivesThis work aims to examine the moderation effects of perceived neighbourhood safety and aesthetics on the relationship between built environment and time for recreational walking.MethodsWe performed the examination using a sample of 760 residents in Fuzhou City, China. The Negative Binomial Regression Model was developed to examine the moderation roles of neighbourhood safety and aesthetics on the impact of built environment, adjusting for the effects of location, socioeconomic, personal preferences and social environment factors. Moreover, two sensitivity analyses were performed to test whether the moderators found are robust to the control of residential self-selection, and differential measures of conceptually-comparable aspects of built environment.ResultsWe found stronger associations of time for recreational walking with road density and proportion of parks and squares POIs for residents with high perception of neighbourhood safety, compared to those with low perception of neighbourhood safety. There was a greater effect of the proportion of parks and squares POIs, when perceived aesthetics was high than when perceived aesthetics was low. The findings of neighbourhood safety and aesthetics as moderator, were robust in the two sensitivity analyses. No significant moderation effect was found for land use diversity.ConclusionsHigh perceived neighbourhood safety can magnify the positive effects of road connectivity and accessibility to parks and squares. Neighbourhood aesthetics positively moderates the association of time for recreational walking with accessibility to parks and squares. The findings emphasize the need to consider safety- and aesthetics-specific differences in estimates of built environment effects. Improvements in neighbourhood safety and aesthetics are key to effective interventions in built environment to better promote physical activity.

Exploration of the Impact of Built Environment Factors on Morning and Evening Peak Ridership at Urban Rail Transit Stations: A Case Study of Changsha, China

<div>To identify the influences of various built environment factors on ridership at urban rail transit stations, a case study was conducted on the Changsha Metro. First, spatial and temporal distributions of the station-level AM peak and PM peak boarding ridership are analyzed. The Moran’s I test indicates that both of them show significant spatial correlations. Then, the pedestrian catchment area of each metro station is delineated using the Thiessen polygon method with an 800-m radius. The built environment factors within each pedestrian catchment area, involving population and employment, land use, accessibility, and station attributes, are collected. Finally, the mixed geographically weighted regression models are constructed to quantitatively identify the effects of these built environment factors on the AM and PM peak ridership, respectively. The estimation results indicate that population density and employment density have significant but opposite influences on the AM and PM peak ridership, which can be attributed to the opposite travel directions of commuters in the AM and PM peak. The recreational facility density, road density, and 10-min walking accessibility could significantly positively affect the PM peak ridership, and their influences vary greatly over space. Besides, the operating time of stations significantly positively affects both the AM and PM peak ridership, transfer stations have significantly larger PM peak ridership and terminal stations have significantly larger AM peak ridership. The findings are expected to provide new insights for agencies to formulate appropriate measures to improve the ridership of urban rail transit.</div>

Exploring pedestrian thermal risk exposure and its determinants among various types of walking trips: A gendered examination from a GPS-based study in Nanjing

Previous research has found that components of the natural and built environment play an important role in regulating ambient temperature. However, existing research regarding the association between these environmental characteristics and thermal exposure has focused mainly at the macro level, leaving this relationship at the individual level underexplored. It remains unknown how the environment functions differently in determining thermal exposure among various types of trips and how this mechanism differs by gender. Using GPS walking trajectory data collected in Nanjing, China, this study examines the extent to which male and female pedestrians experience different levels of thermal exposure, and how the thermal exposure determinants work differently between utilitarian and recreational trips. Descriptive analysis shows that men experience higher per-minute thermal exposure than women, and both male and female pedestrians face higher thermal exposure per minute during utilitarian walks compared to recreational walks. Generalized linear mixed model results indicate that green spaces significantly reduce thermal exposure for both male and female pedestrians during utilitarian walking trips, but this effect only works among women regarding recreational walking. We also identified a negative relationship between water bodies and thermal exposure during recreational walks, but this correlation only occurs among women. Our study suggests that the natural environment’s mitigating effect on thermal exposure differs by gender among different types of walking trips. Policymakers should consider these disparities to avoid exacerbating gender inequality in the arena of thermal exposure and health.

Urban green space access, social cohesion, and mental health outcomes before and during Covid-19

Physical activity offers significant mental health and social wellbeing benefits but social distancing and quarantine requirements during the pandemic along with disparities in access to parks and other urban green spaces limited the ability of some to pursue outdoor activities like recreational walking, jogging, or hiking. This paper asks: (1) how access to different types of urban green space varies by race and income, (2) how green space usage changed, and (3) how greenspace usage impacted mental health during the early phase of the pandemic. Using data from a household survey as well as anonymized GPS data generated by mobile devices, we explore these question in Richmond, Virginia. At the pandemic's onset, visits to green spaces declined regionally, but increased for low-income groups as a proportion of all visits. Structural equation modeling results suggest that mental health was directly influenced by social cohesion and race, with evidence of an indirect effect of greenspace usage on mental health through its impact on social cohesion. Social cohesion's effect on mental health was positive while respondents who identified as White were less likely to report positive mental health. We also find a strong, positive effect of greenspace use and satisfaction on social cohesion.

Preserving active lifestyle: subcutaneous defibrillators in young patients engaged in recreational sports. Insights from a multicenter study

Abstract Background Leading an active lifestyle and participating in recreational sports are crucial for overall well-being and cardiovascular health. Many young patients with implantable defibrillators engage in these activities, but the safety for subcutaneous defibrillator (S-ICD) recipients is unknown. Purpose Evaluate how lifestyle and recreational sports affect the risk of appropriate (AS) and inappropriate shocks (IAS) in S-ICD recipients. Methods We enrolled consecutive young S-ICD recipients (14-65 years) from 19 Italian centers and assessed their physical activity with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). During follow-up, we analyzed the impact of lifestyle and recreational sports on AS and IAS. Results We enrolled 602 S-ICD recipients (77% males; age: 46±14 years). Common diagnoses included hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (24%), ischemic heart disease (20%), and idiopathic dilated CM (17%). IPAQ was administered 47 months (IQR: 26-68) post-SICD implantation. According to the IPAQ, patients were categorized as inactive subjects (IS; 27.9%), minimally active subjects (MAS; 43.7%), or highly active subjects (HAS; 28.4%). Patients with progressively higher activity levels had, in parallel, younger age (48±14 vs. 45±13 vs. 44±13 years; p=0.02) and higher ejection fraction (EF, %) (46±16 vs. 48±15 vs. 49±16; p=0.09). 163 patients (27.1%) regularly participated in recreational sports, with fitness/gym (25.2%), walking (20.9%), and cycling (14.1%) as the most common choices. As compared to patients not engaged in sports, recreational athletes were younger (43±13 vs 47±14 years; p<0.01) and had higher EF (52±14 vs 46±16; p<0.01). During follow-up (32 months; IQR 19-54), there were 77 discrete VT/VF episodes and 10 storms in 44 patients treated with AS. Also, there were 38 discrete IAS and 7 inappropriate shock storms in 39 patients. IS, MAS and HAS had similar rates of AS (9.5% vs 6.8% vs 5.8%, respectively; p=0.39) and IAS (4.8% vs 6.5% vs 8.2%, respectively; p=0.44). Kaplan-Meier curves showed similar cumulative rate of first AS (p= 0.12) or IAS (p= 0.74) for the 3 groups (Figures 1 and 2). Recreational athletes and non-athletes were propensity matched for age, sex, heart disease, EF, and primary/secondary prevention ICD implantation. Non-athletes and recreational athletes had similar risk of AS (HR: 1.78; 95% CI: 0.75-4.41; p=0.20) and IAS (HR: 1.20; 95% CI: 0.55-2.64; p=0.64). Out of 163 recreational athletes, 7 (4.3%) experienced 12 distinct AS, of which 3 (25%) occurred during sport activities. There were no arrhythmic storms while engaging in sports. Additionally, 15 patients (9.2%) had 17 episodes of IAS, with 3 (17.6%) occurring during sport practice. Conclusions In young S-ICD recipients, those leading more active lifestyle and commonly engaged in recreational sports were not exposed to a higher risk neither of appropriate, nor of inappropriate shocks. However, shocks related to sport practice were not uncommon.AS-free survival according to IPAQIAS-free survival according to IPAQ

Associations between built environments, heterogeneous walking behaviors, and wellbeing among pre-older and older adults in an upcoming super-aged society

Introduction and objectiveResearch has investigated the associations of the built environment with walking and wellbeing among older adults. However, how diverse walking behaviors differentially connect the relationships between the built environment and wellbeing among Asian pre-older and older adults is less explored. Thus, this study examined the relationships between pre-older and older adults' perceived walkability of the built environment, transport walking, recreational walking, health, and life satisfaction to identify tailored strategies for wellbeing promotion. MethodsData were collected by a face-to-face questionnaire survey from 162 pre-older adults aged 50–64 and 169 older adults aged above 65 in urbanized areas of Taiwan, an upcoming super-aged Asian society. Path analysis was used to examine the mentioned relationships while controlling sociodemographics and body mass index. ResultsThe results indicated that land use diversity facilitated transport and recreational walking among pre-older adults but undermined transport walking among older adults. Moreover, recreational walking increased health and life satisfaction among pre-older adults, whereas both transport and recreational walking facilitated health and life satisfaction among older adults. Overall, recreational walking was more influential in wellbeing than transport walking for both groups. ConclusionsAs adults age, land use diversity becomes an adverse factor in walking, and walking becomes more pivotal in the association between built environments and wellbeing. Policymakers in Asia could draw on the determinants of pre-older and older adults' wellbeing to promote aging preparation and healthy aging.

Leisure-Time Physical Activity Impact on Quality of Life, Anxiety, Depression, and Clinical Intensity of Pemphigus Vulgaris

Background: Currently, physical activity serves as a preventive approach to reduce the side effects of medical conditions and mental disorders, as well as to enhance public health. Objectives: This study aims to explore the impact of physical activities on depression, anxiety, quality of life (QoL), and the severity of clinical symptoms in patients with polycythemia vera (PV). Methods: This study was conducted as an experimental investigation on patients with polycythemia vera (PV) who were referred to Razi Hospital in Tehran. A total of 76 patients were selected as the statistical sample and were randomly divided into 2 equal groups: an intervention group and a control group. The intervention involved engaging in recreational walking in a park for 60 minutes every other day, for three sessions a week, over a period of 8 weeks. Results: The intervention group showed improved QoL compared to the control group after 8 weeks (P-value = 0.045, 5.2 ± 2.97 vs. 7.5 ± 6.45); (P-value = 0.066, 4.97 ± 1.89 vs. 6.1 ± 4). Additionally, there was a noticeable reduction in anxiety levels in the intervention group compared to the control group after 8 weeks (6.92 ± 4.7 vs. 9.31 ± 4.97, P-value = 0.03). However, there was no significant difference in depression and the severity of symptoms between the 2 groups over the two-month period (4.6 ± 6.03 vs. 4.3 ± 7.78, P-value = 0.067). Nonetheless, significant improvements in anxiety were observed in the intervention group.

Finding your way: exploring urban park users’ engagement with a wayfinding intervention through intercept go-along interviews

ABSTRACT This study explores urban park users’ engagement with a wayfinding intervention from a natural experimental study- The Delapré Walk Project. A qualitative approach was taken, with 16 intercept go-along interviews conducted with 28 local park users while they engaged with the greenspace. Barriers to greenspace access included a lack of seating and unfamiliarity with distances and footpath terrains. The inclusion of a walking route distance on wayfinding signage was valued by visitors, enabling them to make capability decisions about distances to be walked. The greenspace offered an escape from the urban environment, with some respondents explicitly stating that they did not want to see urban infrastructure within the park. This carries an important implication for wayfinding design to ensure the materials used are in-keeping with the surrounding environment. Frequent park users positively received the wayfinding intervention and whilst the main values were seen for infrequent visitors, those familiar with the park also reported increased engagement with the greenspace due to the intervention. Our research shows the value of low-cost and effective community-informed wayfinding interventions, which are essential for increasing recreational walking activity and community health within urban greenspaces. Importantly, our findings highlight wide-reaching benefits, particularly for infrequent greenspace users, older adults and those with mobility impairments, demonstrating how such interventions can help ensure equitable access to greenspace for everyone.

Return to Sport After Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty and Patello-Femoral Arthroplasty

BackgroundData on sports/physical activity participation following unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and patello-femoral arthroplasty (PFA) is variable and limited. The purpose of this study was to assess participations, outcomes, and limitations in sports following UKA and PFA. MethodsPatients who underwent UKA and PFA at a single institution from 2015 to 2020 were surveyed on sports participation before and after surgery. Data was correlated with perioperative patient characteristics and outcome scores. Among 776 patients surveyed, 356 (50%) patients responded. Of respondents, 296 (83.1%) underwent UKA, 44 (12.6%) underwent PFA, and 16 (4.5%) underwent both UKA/PFA. ResultsActivity participation rates were 86.5, 77.3, and 87.5% five years prior, and 70.9, 61.4, and 75% at one year prior to UKA, PFA, and UKA/PFA, respectively. Return to sports rates were 81.6, 64.7, and 62.3% at mean 4.6 years postoperatively, respectively. The most common activities were recreational walking, swimming, cycling, and golf. Patients returned to a similar participation level for low-impact activities, whereas participation decreased for intermediate- and high-impact activities. Patients participating in activities had higher postoperative Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Joint Replacement (P < .001), 12-Item Short Form Physical Component Score (P = .045) and Mental Component Score (P = .012). Activity restrictions were reported among 25, 36.4, and 25% of UKA, PFA, and UKA/PFA patients, respectively, and were more commonly self-imposed than surgeon-directed. ConclusionsThough UKA patients’ postoperative sports participation may improve compared to one year preoperatively, participation for patients surgically treated for isolated osteoarthritis is decreased compared to 5 years preoperatively and varies among patient subsets.

Boxed in: changes in apartment residents’ health behaviours following the COVID-19 lockdown – a longitudinal cohort study

ABSTRACT Australia’s housing context has long been characterised by low-rise detached homes, but rapid population growth has prompted a recent boom in apartment construction. Apartment residents may be more vulnerable to the negative impacts of COVID-19 stay-at-home orders due to the distinct constraints and stressors of apartment housing, but empirical research on this population is scarce. This study adds to the literature on the health impacts of lockdowns by examining longitudinal changes in the health behaviours of Australian apartment residents. Participants (n = 159) completed a survey between 2017–2019 and a follow-up survey in 2020 following a six-week national lockdown. Residents reported increased walking for recreation, sleep duration, and home cooking frequency, but decreased walking for transport, greater sitting time, and weight gain. Alcohol consumption remained stable. The findings highlight the complex and multifaceted impact of the pandemic, with some health behaviour changes highlighting the benefits of having more time to devote to certain activities, and others showing the unintended negative health consequences of lockdowns. Given the likelihood of future pandemics, a renewed policy focus on apartment space and layout provisions that better facilitate home-based activity is required to mitigate the health risks of lockdown conditions for those living in apartments.

Participatory research in caring communities: Practice what you preach?

Background: Participation is presented as a key principle of caring communities. Participatory research directly includes communities and through co-producing knowledge, it would foster sustainable change that matches with local communities' needs. However, in practice, participatory approaches are challenging, and theoretical principles are not always easy to translate in practice.&#x0D; Aim: The goal of this workshop is to jointly advance our understanding of participatory research in relation to caring communities, and to discuss and exchange the challenges and pitfalls related to this type of research.&#x0D; Participants: The workshop is for everyone who is interested in developing, understanding, or evaluating caring communities or wants to be an active part of it. Both people with and without experience in the subject are welcome.&#x0D; Methods:&#x0D; &#x0D; Brainstorm about participatory research in relation to caring communities. What is meant by participation in participatory research? Who ‘should’ participate? (10min)&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Presenting three case studies using participatory research methods within different community settings (i.e., an urban neighborhood, a municipality, and a higher educational institution) and with different community members (i.e., inhabitants and users of the neighborhood, socioeconomically disadvantaged adults, university students and staff). Each case will present 3 challenges faced within the process. (30min)&#x0D; &#x0D; - Suzannah D’Hooghe studies the role of the perceived local environment in health-promoting behaviors among socioeconomically disadvantaged adults in two peri-urban municipalities in Flanders. Community-based participatory approaches such as walk-along interviews, photovoice, and focus groups were used to i) identify environmental factors affecting eating behavior and recreational walking, and ii) identify actions to promote healthy eating and stimulate recreational walking.&#x0D; - Octavia Kint is involved in a co-creative research project on caring communities in two neighborhoods in Brussels. 80% of the neighborhood-built surface is not used for housing, and is characterized by a large presence of ‘atypical’ neighborhood users: musea, public institutions, companies, shops, commuters,... Together with a group of neighborhood co-researchers we investigated and experimented with how a caring community could be built together with these ‘atypical’ neighborhood users.&#x0D; - Hanne Bakelants studies the development of a Compassionate University in one university setting in Brussels. A participatory action research approach is used in which staff and students i) share challenges they encounter when confronted with serious illness, death, and bereavement, ii) co-define objectives for developing a compassionate initiative within the university context, and iii) co-create and execute an implementation plan in collaboration with the research team.&#x0D; &#x0D; Interactive part: Reflections on case studies: pitfalls, challenges, and opportunities (30 min)&#x0D; &#x0D; - What are the limits of participation for community stakeholders and researchers?&#x0D; - How can we increase community support and involve new stakeholders?&#x0D; - How to deal with power relations?&#x0D; Participants will be divided into groups to discuss these questions related to their practice, followed by a collective discussion.&#x0D; &#x0D; Closing: Plenary ‘sharing’ session (20 min)&#x0D; &#x0D; End goal: People will go home having an example of what participatory research can look like in different contexts and the challenges and opportunities that appear in its practical application.

The availability and visibility of animals moderate the association between green space and recreational walking: Using street view data

IntroductionAwareness is amounting that understanding the people-animal-environment relationships and further considering it in city design are important to make future cities and society more resilient and sustainable. The presence of green space stimulates recreational walking behaviour. Also, animals in urban outdoor spaces have a restorative effect. However, scant attention has been paid to whether and how green space and animals have a synergistic effect on recreational walking behaviour. MethodUsing survey data collected from 26 neighbourhoods in Guangzhou, China, this study is the first to explore the potential moderating effect of the availability and visibility of animals on the associations between green space and recreational walking behaviour using street view data and a machine learning approach. Multilevel linear and logistic regressions were used for the statistical analysis. ResultsResults showed that the quantity and quality of green space, and availability and visibility of animals were positively associated with recreational walking propensity and duration. Also, the availability and visibility of animals may strengthen the associations between green space and recreational walking behaviour. ConclusionsPolicymakers should consider animal-inclusive green space to maximize the beneficial effect of urban green space on recreational walking.

Forecasting daily foot traffic in recreational trails using machine learning

This paper discusses weather factors that may affect the level of visitation at recreational walking trails and provides insights into how specific factors (wind, rain etc.) can influence visitation. The quantity of visitors received affects trail management strategies, as there are often damaging effects attributed to the excessive visitation of natural areas. Therefore, accurate forecasting can inform trail management plans. Trail partners have expressed a demand for a system that can deliver qualitative insights to inform trail management while also providing accurate visitor forecasts. This study applied the approach, utilising Machine Learning and historic footfall data from electronic people-counting sensors alongside weather data; our model is a first in the introduction of Tourism Climate Indexes into forecasting models. Factors influencing visitation levels at three walking trails across the Atlantic Area of Europe were discussed. The results highlight that the model predicts trail use with satisfactory accuracy to inform adaptive management frameworks measuring visitor experience indicators. Management implications•Environmental monitoring can gather insights into the situational factors that affect visitation levels on their trails, or if there are other contributing factors aside from weather data that could be investigated.•Trail-related recreation operators can formulate and develop strategies and plans to prevent the occurrence of tourist crowding or congestion in periods of high demand and increase trail visitor arrivals in low demand.•Trail managers can develop new service that will attract visitors under different weather conditions such as shelters, indoor museums, tents that hosts visitors during rainy or sunny days.•Trail managers can prepare for a lower trail visitation demand through marketing and offering alternative recreational activities.

The longitudinal effects of the built environment on transportation and recreational walking, and differences by age and sex: systematic review protocol

BackgroundIn high-income countries, the prevalence of physical inactivity and non-communicable diseases is high, and it is now well-established that insufficient physical activity is a risk factor for non-communicable diseases. Walking for recreation and transportation are effective means of improving population levels of physical activity. Research finds that the built environment (BE) can encourage or discourage walking behaviour, and this association varies for different age groups and sexes. This systematic review aims to synthesise longitudinal evidence to better understand how the BE affects recreational and transportation walking for different age groups (above 64 years and 18–64 years) and sexes in high-income countries.MethodWe will use Scopus, PubMed, SPORTDiscus with Full Text (EBSCO), Business Source Complete (EBSCO), Art and Architecture Archive (Proquest), Avery Index to Architectural Periodicals (ProQuest), and Art, Design & Architecture Collection (ProQuest) databases to search for relevant studies. Reviewers will screen the search results according to pre-specified eligibility criteria for study inclusion in the review. Required data for the synthesis will be extracted from the included studies to answer the research questions. Further, the methodological quality of the studies included in this systematic review will be evaluated using an established instrument, and the resulting quality scores will be utilized in sensitivity analysis. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) checklist will be followed when reporting the findings.DiscussionThis review will identify BE attributes that are likely to influence transportation and recreational walking for younger and older adults and different sexes in high-income countries. The findings will help policymakers with making decisions around walkable built environments for older and younger adults and different sexes to keep them healthy.Trial registrationThis protocol of the prospective systematic review is developed following PRISMA-P guidelines and is registered on the Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (registration ID CRD42022351919).

O.5.1-1 Physical environment perceptions in rural and urban areas and their influence on adolescents’ walking and non-motorized vehicle use

Abstract Purpose Environment perceptions influence adolescents’ active transport. However, most studies focus on urban areas only and do not differentiate between walking and the use of non-motorized vehicles (NMV; e. g. cycling, skateboarding). Therefore, we aim to describe differences in perceived environment attributes across urbanicity levels and assess the relationship between perceived environment and walking as well as NMV in adolescents stratified across urban and rural areas. Methods We used cross-sectional data including age, gender, socioeconomic status, environment perceptions, duration of walking, and NMV use of 3,976 adolescents (14.5±2.0 years, 51% female) from the nationwide Motorik-Modul Study Wave 2 (2014-2017) and Wave 3 pre-Covid (2018-2020) in Germany. Separate cumulative link mixed models were calculated for rural areas, small towns, medium-sized towns, and cities to analyze relationships between environment perceptions and walking as well as NMV use. Results Adolescents in urban areas report higher presence of recreation facilities, walking and cycling infrastructure, cars, and children playing outside as well as better access to shops and bus stops compared to adolescents in rural areas. The latter perceive their neighborhood to be safer from crime and more pleasant for walking and cycling compared to urban areas. The relationships between environment perceptions and walking differ between urbanicity levels. For example, public sports facilities (OR = 1.29), cycling paths (OR = 1.30), and car presence are associated with walking in rural areas, whereas having access to shops (OR = 1.26) is associated with walking in cities. Rural-urban differences are also found for NMV use. For example, access to shops (OR = 1.16), cycling paths (OR = 1.29), and having a pleasant neighborhood for walking and cycling (OR = 1.29) are associated with NMV use in rural areas, whereas in cities, car presence (OR = 0.80) relates to NVT use. Public sports facilities (OR = 1.23-1.33) are associated with NVT use across urbanicity levels (all p &amp;lt; 0.05). Conclusions This work suggests that active transport behaviors of rural and urban living adolescents are influenced by different neighborhood environment characteristics. Therefore, programs targeting active transport should consider specifics of the rural or urban context. Further, there is little overlap between factors associated with walking and NVT use, highlighting different needs based on transport mode choice.