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Objectively measuring the association between the built environment and physical activity: a systematic review and
Francesca L Pontin1,2, Victoria L Jenneson3, Michelle A Morris4
1Leeds Institute for Data Analytics, University of Leeds, Clarendon Way, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK. f.l.pontin@leeds.ac.uk.
The International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
|September 14, 2022
Summary
This review synthesized research on objective built environment measures and physical activity in adults. It identified knowledge gaps and created the PERFORM checklist to improve future study reporting quality and comparability.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Environmental Science
- Urban Planning
Background:
- Objective measures of the built environment and physical activity allow for direct comparisons across diverse populations and settings.
- Existing research has explored the relationship between built environment features and physical activity levels in adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the current knowledge and identify gaps concerning the impact of objectively measured built environment metrics on adult physical activity.
- To develop a reporting framework to enhance the quality and comparability of future research in this field.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines, including 94 studies.
- Results were synthesized using an association matrix, and a new reporting checklist, PERFORM, was created and applied.
Main Results:
- Studies spanned 21 countries, utilizing accelerometers and GIS for data collection.
- Key built environment elements investigated included walkability and park access; moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was the most common outcome.
- Reporting quality was often poor, particularly regarding participant demographics, built environment data sources, and methodological justifications.
Conclusions:
- Significant gaps exist in the breadth and quality of reporting for studies objectively measuring the built environment and physical activity.
- Expanding measurement variety across demographics and locations will strengthen the evidence base.
- Adherence to the PERFORM reporting guidance is crucial for ensuring high-quality, reproducible, and comparable future research.
