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GPS-based built environment measures associated with adult physical activity
Kwadwo A Boakye1, Ofer Amram2, John M Schuna1
1School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA.
Health & Place
|June 17, 2021
Summary
Built environment (BE) features like parks and population density correlate with physical activity (PA). Conversely, air pollution and noise are linked to decreased PA, offering insights into activity location choices.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Urban Planning
- Public Health
Background:
- Traditional studies often use home locations to assess built environment (BE) impacts on physical activity (PA).
- This approach may not fully capture the diverse environmental exposures individuals encounter throughout their day.
- Understanding how various BE characteristics influence PA is crucial for promoting healthier lifestyles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between multiple GPS-derived built environment (BE) characteristics and physical activity levels.
- To examine the relationship between specific BE features and moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and light-to-moderate-vigorous PA (LMVPA).
- To explore how population density and the interplay of multiple BE measures modify these associations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized GPS and accelerometer data from 288 individuals over a two-week period.
- Derived eight built environment (BE) characteristics using GPS data.
- Analyzed associations between BE measures and objectively measured physical activity (PA), specifically LMVPA and MVPA.
Main Results:
- Positive associations were found between NDVI, parks, blue space, pedestrian-oriented intersections, and population density with increased odds of LMVPA and MVPA.
- Traffic air pollution and noise were associated with decreased odds of LMVPA and MVPA.
- The strength of these associations varied based on population density and when multiple BE measures were considered simultaneously.
Conclusions:
- Specific built environment (BE) features are linked to higher levels of physical activity (PA).
- Environmental stressors like air pollution and noise appear to deter physical activity.
- These findings highlight the importance of considering diverse BE exposures and their spatial distribution in understanding PA patterns.
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