1
|
Allaouat S, Halonen JI, Jussila JJ, Tiittanen P, Ervasti J, Ngandu T, Mikkonen S, Yli-Tuomi T, Jousilahti P, Lanki T. Association between active commuting and low-grade inflammation: a population-based cross-sectional study. Eur J Public Health 2024; 34:292-298. [PMID: 38066664 PMCID: PMC10990550 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckad213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior studies suggest that physical activity lowers circulating C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. However, little is known about the association between regular active commuting, i.e. walking or cycling to work, and CRP concentrations. This study examines whether active commuting is associated with lower CRP. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study using population-based FINRISK data from 1997, 2002, 2007 and 2012. Participants were working adults living in Finland (n = 6208; mean age = 44 years; 53.6% women). We used linear and additive models adjusted for potential confounders to analyze whether daily active commuting, defined as the time spent walking or cycling to work, was associated with lower high-sensitivity (hs-) CRP serum concentrations compared with passive commuting. RESULTS We observed that daily active commuting for 45 min or more (vs. none) was associated with lower hs-CRP [% mean difference in the main model: -16.8%; 95% confidence interval (CI) -25.6% to -7.0%), and results were robust to adjustment for leisure-time and occupational physical activity, as well as diet. Similarly, active commuting for 15-29 min daily was associated with lower hs-CRP in the main model (-7.4; 95% CI -14.1 to -0.2), but the association attenuated to null after further adjustments. In subgroup analyses, associations were only observed for women. CONCLUSIONS Active commuting for at least 45 min a day was associated with lower levels of low-grade inflammation. Promoting active modes of transport may lead not only to reduced emissions from motorized traffic but also to population-level health benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Allaouat
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio and Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaana I Halonen
- Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio and Helsinki, Finland
| | - Juuso J Jussila
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio and Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pekka Tiittanen
- Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio and Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jenni Ervasti
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tiia Ngandu
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Santtu Mikkonen
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Tarja Yli-Tuomi
- Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio and Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pekka Jousilahti
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Timo Lanki
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Health Security, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Kuopio and Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Spoelder M, Schoofs MCA, Raaphorst K, Lakerveld J, Wagtendonk A, Hartman YAW, van der Krabben E, Hopman MTE, Thijssen DHJ. A positive neighborhood walkability is associated with a higher magnitude of leisure walking in adults upon COVID-19 restrictions: a longitudinal cohort study. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2023; 20:116. [PMID: 37752497 PMCID: PMC10521432 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-023-01512-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous cross-sectional and longitudinal observational studies revealed positive relationships between contextual built environment components and walking behavior. Due to severe restrictions during COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, physical activity was primarily performed within the immediate living area. Using this unique opportunity, we evaluated whether built environment components were associated with the magnitude of change in walking activity in adults during COVID-19 restrictions. METHODS Data on self-reported demographic characteristics and walking behaviour were extracted from the prospective longitudinal Lifelines Cohort Study in the Netherlands of participants ≥ 18 years. For our analyses, we made use of the data acquired between 2014-2017 (n = 100,285). A fifth of the participants completed the questionnaires during COVID-19 restrictive policies in July 2021 (n = 20,806). Seven spatial components were calculated for a 500m and 1650m Euclidean buffer per postal code area in GIS: population density, retail and service destination density, land use mix, street connectivity, green space density, sidewalk density, and public transport stops. Additionally, the walkability index (WI) of these seven components was calculated. Using multivariable linear regression analyses, we analyzed the association between the WI (and separate components) and the change in leisure walking minutes/week. Included demographic variables were age, gender, BMI, education, net income, occupation status, household composition and the season in which the questionnaire was filled in. RESULTS The average leisure walking time strongly increased by 127 min/week upon COVID-19 restrictions. All seven spatial components of the WI were significantly associated with an increase in leisure walking time; a 10% higher score in the individual spatial component was associated with 5 to 8 more minutes of leisure walking/week. Green space density at the 500m Euclidean buffer and side-walk density at the 1650m Euclidean buffer were associated with the highest increase in leisure walking time/week. Subgroup analysis revealed that the built environment showed its strongest impact on leisure walking time in participants not engaging in leisure walking before the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to participants who already engaged in leisure walking before the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS These results provide strong evidence that the built environment, corrected for individual-level characteristics, directly links to changes observed in leisure walking time during COVID-19 restrictions. Since this relation was strongest in those who did not engage in leisure walking before the COVID-19 pandemic, our results encourage new perspectives in health promotion and urban planning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcia Spoelder
- Department of Physiology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Philips Van Leydenlaan 15, Nijmegen, 6525 EX, The Netherlands.
- Present affiliation: Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein Noord 21, Nijmegen, 6525 EZ, The Netherlands.
| | - Merle C A Schoofs
- Department of Physiology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Philips Van Leydenlaan 15, Nijmegen, 6525 EX, The Netherlands
| | - Kevin Raaphorst
- Department of Geography, Planning and Environment, Institute for Management Research, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Lakerveld
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Boelelaan 1089a, Amsterdam, 1081HV, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Health Behaviours and Chronic Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Upstream Team, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Alfred Wagtendonk
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Boelelaan 1089a, Amsterdam, 1081HV, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, Health Behaviours and Chronic Diseases, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Upstream Team, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Yvonne A W Hartman
- Department of Physiology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Philips Van Leydenlaan 15, Nijmegen, 6525 EX, The Netherlands
| | - Erwin van der Krabben
- Department of Geography, Planning and Environment, Institute for Management Research, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Maria T E Hopman
- Department of Physiology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Philips Van Leydenlaan 15, Nijmegen, 6525 EX, The Netherlands
| | - Dick H J Thijssen
- Department of Physiology, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Philips Van Leydenlaan 15, Nijmegen, 6525 EX, The Netherlands
- Research Institute for Sports and Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Feng Q, Fan CQ, Wang JJ, Wang H, Wu DM, Nassis GP, Wang M, Wang HJ. The effects of green space and physical activity on muscle strength: a national cross-sectional survey with 128,759 Chinese adults. Front Public Health 2023; 11:973158. [PMID: 37265516 PMCID: PMC10230031 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.973158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Muscle strength is closely related to chronic noncommunicable diseases; specifically, a decline in handgrip strength (HS) is predominant globally. Exposure to green space-built environment components used for health intervention-reportedly decreases the risk of certain diseases and all-cause mortality. However, evidence in this area is limited. Objective We aimed to explore the association between green space exposure and muscle strength and ascertain the combined effect of physical activity and green space exposure on muscle strength. Method Data from 128,759 participants (aged 20-79 years) were obtained using a complex stratified multistage probability cluster sampling design. The green space was assessed as normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data for a 500-m buffer zone based on the geolocation information of sampling sites. We used a questionnaire to investigate transportation, occupation, physical activity, leisure-time exercise behaviors, and sedentary time within a usual week of the preceding year. The outcome was low relative HS, defined as HS-to-body weight ratio, and the percentage of men and women with relative HS in the lower third. We defined adequate physical activity as 150 min of moderate-intensity or 75 min of vigorous physical activity per week and calculated the weighted proportion of participants with insufficient physical activity. Categorical variables of NDVI and physical activity were used as exposure variables and their interrelationship was evaluated in a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). We measured interaction on an additive or multiplicative scale using a GLMM to test the interaction between green space exposure and physical activity. All analyses were performed for the total sample and subgroups (urban and rural). Result The high NDVI group had a lower risk of low relative HS than the low NDVI group (OR [95% CI]: 0.92 [0.88-0.95]). The sufficient physical activity group had a lower risk of low relative HS than the insufficient physical activity group (OR [95% CI]: 0.85 [0.81-0.88]). There was an interactive effect on the additive scale (relative excess risk owing to interaction: 0.29, 95% CI 0.22-0.36, p < 0.001) between green space exposure and physical activity. Conclusion High NDVI and adequate physical activity were protective factors against low relative HS in Chinese adults. Increasing green space exposure and physical activity together may have a greater potentiating effect on muscle strength improvement than these two protective factors individually. Green spaces should be incorporated into city design or built environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Feng
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of National Fitness and Scientific Exercise Research Center, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, China
| | - Chao-Qun Fan
- Department of National Fitness and Scientific Exercise Research Center, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, China
| | - Jing-Jing Wang
- Department of National Fitness and Scientific Exercise Research Center, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, China
| | - Huan Wang
- Department of National Fitness and Scientific Exercise Research Center, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, China
| | - Dong-Ming Wu
- Department of National Fitness and Scientific Exercise Research Center, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, China
| | - George P. Nassis
- Physical Education Department–College of Education (CEDU), United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, SDU Sport and Health Sciences Cluster, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mei Wang
- Department of National Fitness and Scientific Exercise Research Center, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, China
| | - Hai-Jun Wang
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Naseri M, Delbosc A, Kamruzzaman L. The role of neighbourhood design in cycling activity during COVID-19: An exploration of the Melbourne experience. JOURNAL OF TRANSPORT GEOGRAPHY 2023; 106:103510. [PMID: 36531519 PMCID: PMC9742218 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2022.103510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 restrictions imposed significant changes on human mobility patterns, with some studies finding significant increases or decreases in cycling. However, to date there is little understanding on how the neighbourhood-level built environment influenced cycling behaviour during the COVID-19 restrictions. As different neighbourhood have different built environment characteristics, it is possible that cycling trends varied across different built environment settings. We aimed to answer this question by examining recreational cycling during different stages of lockdown in Melbourne, Australia. We compared self-reported recreational cycling frequency (weekly) data from 1344 respondents between pre-COVID and two different stages in lockdown. We tested whether the built environment of their residential neighbourhood and different sociodemographic characteristics influenced leisure cycling rates and whether the effect of these factors varied between different stages of COVID-19 restriction. We found that cycling declined significantly during the two stages of COVID-19 lockdown. Cycling infrastructure density and connectivity are two built environment factors that had a significant effect on limiting the decline in leisure cycling during the pandemic. Furthermore, men and younger people had higher cycling rates in comparison to other groups, suggesting that restrictions on indoor activities and travel limits were not enough to encourage women or older people to cycle more during the pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Naseri
- Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alexa Delbosc
- Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Liton Kamruzzaman
- Monash Art Design and Architecture, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Physical Activity Habits of Latvian Nursing Students: A Cross-Sectional Study. NURSING REPORTS 2022; 12:922-932. [PMID: 36548162 PMCID: PMC9781443 DOI: 10.3390/nursrep12040089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
It is important to integrate knowledge about the need for physical activities (PA) in the prevention and care of human health in nursing study programs so that nurses can promote PA among their patients. This study aims to evaluate the PA habits of Latvian nursing students. Participants were students of three universities in Latvia who were enrolled in a four-year bachelor study program, "Nursing", with a total of 341 after the data cleaning (population size n = 1554). The questionnaire contained questions about sociodemographic variables derived from the survey of the Centre for Disease Prevention and Control of Latvia "Health Behaviour among Latvian Adult Population", habits of PA, and International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form. The data were collected between September and November 2021. Both descriptive and inferential statistics (difference between groups, correlation, and association tests) were calculated to analyse the data. Of the study population, 39% did not reach the minimum WHO-recommended PA. Increased PA level in the later study years is related to more frequent engagement in work and fewer table activities in the curriculum study process, but the higher intensity and total PA could be related to the specifics of nurse and nurse assistant work, which could be especially intense due to the overloaded health care system during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
|
6
|
Koreny M, Arbillaga-Etxarri A, Bosch de Basea M, Foraster M, Carsin AE, Cirach M, Gimeno-Santos E, Barberan-Garcia A, Nieuwenhuijsen M, Vall-Casas P, Rodriguez-Roisín R, Garcia-Aymerich J. Urban environment and physical activity and capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 214:113956. [PMID: 35872322 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical activity and exercise capacity are key prognostic factors in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but their environmental determinants are unknown. OBJECTIVES To test the association between urban environment and objective physical activity, physical activity experience and exercise capacity in COPD. METHODS We studied 404 patients with mild-to-very severe COPD from a multi-city study in Catalonia, Spain. We measured objective physical activity (step count and sedentary time) by the Dynaport MoveMonitor, physical activity experience (difficulty with physical activity) by the Clinical visit-PROactive (C-PPAC) instrument, and exercise capacity by the 6-min walk distance (6MWD). We estimated individually (geocoded to the residential address) population density, pedestrian street length, slope of terrain, and long-term (i.e., annual) exposure to road traffic noise, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and particulate matter (PM2.5). We built single- and multi-exposure mixed-effects linear regressions with a random intercept for city, adjusting for confounders. RESULTS Patients were 85% male, had mean (SD) age 69 (9) years and walked 7524 (4045) steps/day. In multi-exposure models, higher population density was associated with fewer steps, more sedentary time and worse exercise capacity (-507 [95% CI: 1135, 121] steps, +0.2 [0.0, 0.4] h/day and -13 [-25, 0] m per IQR). Pedestrian street length related with more steps and less sedentary time (156 [9, 304] steps and -0.1 [-0.1, 0.0] h/day per IQR). Steeper slope was associated with better exercise capacity (15 [3, 27] m per IQR). Higher NO2 levels related with more sedentary time and more difficulty in physical activity. PM2.5 and noise were not associated with physical activity or exercise capacity. DISCUSSION Population density, pedestrian street length, slope and NO2 exposure relate to physical activity and capacity of COPD patients living in highly populated areas. These findings support the consideration of neighbourhood environmental factors during COPD management and the attention to patients with chronic diseases when developing urban and transport planning policies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Koreny
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Ane Arbillaga-Etxarri
- Physiotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Deusto, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain.
| | - Magda Bosch de Basea
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Maria Foraster
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain; PHAGEX Research Group, Blanquerna School of Health Science, Universitat Ramon Llull (URL), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Anne-Elie Carsin
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain; IMIM (Hospital Del Mar Medical Research Institute), Spain.
| | - Marta Cirach
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Elena Gimeno-Santos
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain; Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Anael Barberan-Garcia
- University of Barcelona, Institut D'Investigació Biomèdica August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Mark Nieuwenhuijsen
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Pere Vall-Casas
- Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Robert Rodriguez-Roisín
- University of Barcelona, Institut D'Investigació Biomèdica August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), CIBER Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Judith Garcia-Aymerich
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang Y, Zhang Y, van Dijk T, Yang Y. Green place rather than green space as a health determinant: A 20-year scoping review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 214:113812. [PMID: 35970380 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Numerous scientific studies, applying different approaches, have provided evidence of the links between the environment and people's health. Green spaces have been the subject of research aimed at exploring their benefits as components of the urban environment. We investigated possible causal relationships between green spaces and health, with the aim of addressing the following question. Does the mere material presence of green spaces contribute to the health of people who live in its vicinity, or are the health-promoting qualities of green spaces attributed to the ability of people to actually see, access, and enjoy them? The latter view highlights the relational dimension of places, and it entails personal relationships with places which are imbued with psychological meaning and significance for those who visit and experience them. We reviewed relevant literature, comprising a total of 189 papers on this topic that have been published over the first two decades of this century. Our findings showed that the material aspects of green spaces, such as their abundance and proximity to residences, received much more attention in studies than their quality and characteristics. However, relational rather than material measures of green spaces demonstrated statistically greater positive impacts of green spaces on health. These findings indicate that both sensory stimuli and activities and feelings attached to green spaces are essential for better health outcomes. Incorporating a relational perspective of green place-thinking into the existing literature on green spaces and health could contribute to optimizing the positive effects of green spaces and thus to the creation of healthy and livable cities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yufang Zhang
- Expertise Center Architecture, Urbanism and Health, Faculty of Arts, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 716, 9700, AS, Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of History of Architecture and Urbanism, Faculty of Arts, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 716, 9700, AS, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Spatial Planning & Environment, Faculty of Spatial Sciences, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 800, 9700, AV, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Terry van Dijk
- Department of Spatial Planning & Environment, Faculty of Spatial Sciences, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 800, 9700, AV, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Yu Yang
- College of Economics and Management, Huzhou University, No.759, East 2nd Road, Huzhou, 303000, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kuvaja-Köllner V, Kankaanpää E, Laine J, Borodulin K, Mäki-Opas T, Valtonen H. Municipal resources to promote adult physical activity - a multilevel follow-up study. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:1213. [PMID: 35717163 PMCID: PMC9206276 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13617-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Finland, local authorities (municipalities) provide many services, including sports and physical activity facilities such as pedestrian and bicycle ways and lanes, parks, sports arenas and pools. This study aimed to determine whether local authorities can promote physical activity by allocating resources to physical activity facilities. Methods The data on municipality expenditure on physical activity and sports, number of sports associations receiving subsidies from the municipality, kilometers of ways for pedestrians and bicycles and hectares of parks in 1999 and 2010 were gathered from national registers. These data were combined using unique municipal codes with individual survey data on leisure-time physical activity (N = 3193) and commuting physical activity (N = 1394). Panel data on physical activity originated from a national health survey, the Health 2000 study, conducted in 2000–2001 and 2011–2012. We used the data of persons who answered the physical activity questions twice and had the same place of residence in both years. In the data, the individuals are nested within municipalities, and multilevel analyses could therefore be applied. The data comprised a two-wave panel and the individuals were followed over 11 years. Results The resources for physical activity varied between municipalities and years. Municipal expenditure for physical activity and total kilometers of pedestrian ways increased significantly during the 11 years, although a clear decrease was observed in individuals’ physical activity. In our models, individual characteristics including higher education level (OR 1.87) and better health status (OR 7.29) increased the odds of increasing physical activity. Female gender was associated with lower (OR 0.83) leisure-time physical activity. Living in rural areas (OR 0.37) decreased commuting physical activity, and age (OR 1.05) increased it. Women (OR 3.16) engaged in commuting physical activity more than men. Conclusions Individual-level factors were more important for physical activity than local resources. A large part of the variation in physical activity occurs between individuals, which suggests that some factors not detected in this study explain a large part of the overall variation in physical activity. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12889-022-13617-8.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Virpi Kuvaja-Köllner
- Department of Health and Social Management, University of Eastern Finland, POB 1627, FIN-70211, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Eila Kankaanpää
- Department of Health and Social Management, University of Eastern Finland, POB 1627, FIN-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Johanna Laine
- Department of Health and Social Management, University of Eastern Finland, POB 1627, FIN-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Katja Borodulin
- Age Institute, Finland Jämsänkatu 2, 00520, Helsinki, Finland.,Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, POB 30, FI-00271, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tomi Mäki-Opas
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, POB 30, FI-00271, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Social Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, POB 1627, FIN-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Hannu Valtonen
- Department of Health and Social Management, University of Eastern Finland, POB 1627, FIN-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Vallarta-Robledo JR, Joost S, Vieira Ruas MA, Gubelmann C, Vollenweider P, Marques-Vidal P, Guessous I. Geographic clusters of objectively measured physical activity and the characteristics of their built environment in a Swiss urban area. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0252255. [PMID: 35196322 PMCID: PMC8865698 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Evidence suggests that the built environment can influence the intensity of physical activity. However, despite the importance of the geographic context, most of the studies do not consider the spatial framework of this association. We aimed to assess individual spatial dependence of objectively measured moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and describe the characteristics of the built environment among spatial clusters of MVPA. Methods Cross-sectional data from the second follow-up (2014–2017) of CoLaus|PsyCoLaus, a longitudinal population-based study of the Lausanne area (Switzerland), was used to objectively measure MVPA using accelerometers. Local Moran’s I was used to assess the spatial dependence of MVPA and detect geographic clusters of low and high MVPA. Additionally, the characteristics of the built environment observed in the clusters based on raw MVPA and MVPA adjusted for socioeconomic and demographic factors were compared. Results Data from 1,889 participants (median age 63, 55% women) were used. The geographic distribution of MVPA and the characteristics of the built environment among clusters were similar for raw and adjusted MVPA. In the adjusted model, we found a low concentration of individuals within spatial clusters of high MVPA (median: 38.5mins; 3% of the studied population) and low MVPA (median: 10.9 mins; 2% of the studied population). Yet, clear differences were found in both models between clusters regarding the built environment; high MVPA clusters were located in areas where specific compositions of the built environment favor physical activity. Conclusions Our results suggest the built environment may influence local spatial patterns of MVPA independently of socioeconomic and demographic factors. Interventions in the built environment should be considered to promote physically active behaviors in urban areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan R Vallarta-Robledo
- Division and Department of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Group of Geographic Information Research and Analysis in Population Health (GIRAPH), Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stéphane Joost
- Division and Department of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Group of Geographic Information Research and Analysis in Population Health (GIRAPH), Geneva, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Geographic Information Systems (LASIG), School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
- La Source, School of Nursing, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland (HES-SO), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marco André Vieira Ruas
- Laboratory of Geographic Information Systems (LASIG), School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Cédric Gubelmann
- Department of Medicine, Internal Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Peter Vollenweider
- Department of Medicine, Internal Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pedro Marques-Vidal
- Group of Geographic Information Research and Analysis in Population Health (GIRAPH), Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Medicine, Internal Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Idris Guessous
- Division and Department of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Group of Geographic Information Research and Analysis in Population Health (GIRAPH), Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Virtual Reality Representations of Nature to Improve Well-Being amongst Older Adults: a Rapid Review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 6:464-485. [PMID: 33688575 PMCID: PMC7934124 DOI: 10.1007/s41347-021-00195-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Poor well-being amongst older adults poses a serious health concern. Simultaneously, research shows that contact with nature can improve various facets of well-being, including physical, social, and mental well-being. However, nature is not always accessible for older adults due to mobility restrictions and related care needs that come with age. A promising strategy aims at bringing nature inside through pervasive technologies. However, so far, there is little academic understanding of essential nature characteristics, psychological processes involved, and means for implementation in practice. The current study used a three-folded rapid review to assess current understanding and strategies used for improving well-being for older adults through virtual reality representations of nature. Searches were performed across three databases, followed-up by content-based evaluation of abstracts. In total, a set of 25 relevant articles was identified. Only three studies specifically focus on digital nature as an intervention strategy for improving well-being amongst older adults. Although these studies provide useful starting points for the design and (technological) development of such environments, they do not generate understanding of how specific characteristics of virtual nature representations impact social well-being measures in particular, and of the underlying psychological processes involved. We conclude that follow-up research is warranted to close the gap between insights and findings from nature research, gerontology, health research, and human-technology interaction.
Collapse
|
11
|
Pulakka A, Leskinen T, Suorsa K, Pentti J, Halonen JI, Vahtera J, Stenholm S. Physical Activity across Retirement Transition by Occupation and Mode of Commute. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2021; 52:1900-1907. [PMID: 32150014 PMCID: PMC7431137 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000002326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Supplemental digital content is available in the text. Purpose Retirement induces changes in the composition of daily physical activity. Our aim was to examine changes in accelerometer-measured physical activity around transition to statutory retirement among men and women by occupational category and by preretirement modes of commuting. Methods We included 562 workers (mean [SD] age, 63.3 [1.1] yr; 85% women) from the Finnish Retirement and Aging study. The participants wore an accelerometer on their nondominant wrist for 1 wk before and 1 wk after retirement, with 1 yr between the measurements. We compared mean daily activity counts before and after retirement between manual and nonmanual occupations by gender and by preretirement commuting mode using linear models with generalized estimating equations. Results Before retirement, women were more active than men (2550 (95% confidence interval, 2500–2590) vs 2060 (1970–2140) mean daily activity counts), with the most active group being women in manual occupations. After retirement, physical activity decreased by 3.9% among women and increased, albeit nonsignificantly, by 3.1% in men. The decrease was most pronounced among women in manual and increase among men in nonmanual occupations. After retirement, women remained more active than men (2450 (95% confidence interval 2390–2500) vs 2120 (2010–2230) counts). Active commuting, especially cycling, before retirement was associated with higher physical activity both before and after retirement, and these people also maintained their total activity lever better than did those who commuted by public transportation. Conclusions Although women in manual occupations decreased and men in nonmanual occupations increased their activity after retirement, women were more active than men both before and after retirement. Those who engaged in active commuting before retirement maintained their activity level also after retirement.
Collapse
|
12
|
Regulating and Cultural Ecosystem Services of Urban Green Infrastructure in the Nordic Countries: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18031219. [PMID: 33572991 PMCID: PMC7908285 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18031219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
In the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden), the Urban Green Infrastructure (UGI) has been traditionally targeted at reducing flood risk. However, other Ecosystem Services (ES) became increasingly relevant in response to the challenges of urbanization and climate change. In total, 90 scientific articles addressing ES considered crucial contributions to the quality of life in cities are reviewed. These are classified as (1) regulating ES that minimize hazards such as heat, floods, air pollution and noise, and (2) cultural ES that promote well-being and health. We conclude that the planning and design of UGI should balance both the provision of ES and their side effects and disservices, aspects that seem to have been only marginally investigated. Climate-sensitive planning practices are critical to guarantee that seasonal climate variability is accounted for at high-latitude regions. Nevertheless, diverging and seemingly inconsistent findings, together with gaps in the understanding of long-term effects, create obstacles for practitioners. Additionally, the limited involvement of end users points to a need of better engagement and communication, which in overall call for more collaborative research. Close relationships and interactions among different ES provided by urban greenery were found, yet few studies attempted an integrated evaluation. We argue that promoting interdisciplinary studies is fundamental to attain a holistic understanding of how plant traits affect the resulting ES; of the synergies between biophysical, physiological and psychological processes; and of the potential disservices of UGI, specifically in Nordic cities.
Collapse
|
13
|
Plagg B, Zerbe S. How does the environment affect human ageing? An interdisciplinary review. JOURNAL OF GERONTOLOGY AND GERIATRICS 2020. [DOI: 10.36150/2499-6564-420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
|
14
|
Finger JD, Varnaccia G, Gabrys L, Hoebel J, Kroll LE, Krug S, Manz K, Baumeister SE, Mensink GBM, Lange C, Leitzmann MF. Area-level and individual correlates of active transportation among adults in Germany: A population-based multilevel study. Sci Rep 2019; 9:16361. [PMID: 31705025 PMCID: PMC6841943 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-52888-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed at estimating the prevalence in adults of complying with the aerobic physical activity (PA) recommendation through transportation-related walking and cycling. Furthermore, potential determinants of transportation-related PA recommendation compliance were investigated. 10,872 men and 13,144 women aged 18 years or older participated in the cross-sectional 'German Health Update 2014/15 - EHIS' in Germany. Transportation-related walking and cycling were assessed using the European Health Interview Survey-Physical Activity Questionnaire. Three outcome indicators were constructed: walking, cycling, and total active transportation (≥600 metabolic equivalent, MET-min/week). Associations were analyzed using multilevel regression analysis. Forty-two percent of men and 39% of women achieved ≥600 MET-min/week with total active transportation. The corresponding percentages for walking were 27% and 28% and for cycling 17% and 13%, respectively. Higher population density, older age, lower income, higher work-related and leisure-time PA, not being obese, and better self-perceived health were positively associated with transportation-related walking and cycling and total active transportation among both men and women. The promotion of walking and cycling among inactive people has great potential to increase PA in the general adult population and to comply with PA recommendations. Several correlates of active transportation were identified which should be considered when planning public health policies and interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J D Finger
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany.
| | - G Varnaccia
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - L Gabrys
- Department of Sport and Prevention, University of Applied Sciences for Sport and Management Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - J Hoebel
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - L E Kroll
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - S Krug
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - K Manz
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - S E Baumeister
- Chair of Epidemiology, Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich at University Medicine Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
- Independent Research Group Clinical Epidemiology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - G B M Mensink
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - C Lange
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - M F Leitzmann
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Klann A, Vu L, Ewing M, Fenton M, Pojednic R. Translating Urban Walkability Initiatives for Older Adults in Rural and Under-Resourced Communities. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16173041. [PMID: 31443359 PMCID: PMC6747272 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16173041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The built environment can promote physical activity in older adults by increasing neighborhood walkability. While efforts to increase walkability are common in urban communities, there is limited data related to effective implementation in rural communities. This is problematic, as older adults make up a significant portion of rural inhabitants and exhibit lower levels of physical activity. Translating lessons from urban strategies may be necessary to address this disparity. This review examines best practices from urban initiatives that can be implemented in rural, resource-limited communities. The review of the literature revealed that simple, built environment approaches to increase walkability include microscale and pop-up infrastructure, municipal parks, and community gardens, which can also increase physical activity in neighborhoods for urban older adults. These simple and cost-effective strategies suggest great potential for rural communities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Klann
- Department of Nutrition, Simmons University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Linh Vu
- Department of Nutrition, Simmons University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mollie Ewing
- Children and Family Services Corporation, Vincennes, IN 47951, USA
| | - Mark Fenton
- Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Rachele Pojednic
- Department of Nutrition, Simmons University, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Institute of Lifestyle Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Pyky R, Neuvonen M, Kangas K, Ojala A, Lanki T, Borodulin K, Tyrväinen L. Individual and environmental factors associated with green exercise in urban and suburban areas. Health Place 2018; 55:20-28. [PMID: 30459052 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Revised: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we mainly aimed to explore the associations of personal and socio-demographic factors, and the supply of green areas and built sports facilities with green exercise (GE). We also compared the residents of the core urban area and suburban areas according to the level of leisure time physical activity (LTPA) they had. A population-based sample of 3730 adults (aged 25-101 y) from Finland, filled out a questionnaire in 2015. Variables describing the supply of green areas and built sports facilities were objectively calculated. The green areas were classified into small (<25 ha), middle-sized (25-150 ha) and large (>150 ha) areas to reflect their qualities for GE. The data analysis methods included multinomial logistic regression, t-, and Chi Square tests. Our results indicate that having a short distance to at least a middle-sized green area and high nature relatedness are important for participation in GE, both in core urban and suburban areas. More factors were found to be related to GE in the suburban areas compared to core urban areas and among the low LTPA compared to the high LTPA group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Riitta Pyky
- Natural Resources Institute Finland, Latokartanonkaari 9, 00790 Helsinki, Finland; Oulu Deaconess Institute, Department of Sports and Exercise Medicine, Albertinkatu 18A, 90100 Oulu, Finland.
| | - Marjo Neuvonen
- Natural Resources Institute Finland, Latokartanonkaari 9, 00790 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Katja Kangas
- Natural Resources Institute Finland, Latokartanonkaari 9, 00790 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Ann Ojala
- Natural Resources Institute Finland, Latokartanonkaari 9, 00790 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Timo Lanki
- National Institute for Health and Welfare, Department of Health Security, P.O. Box 95, 70701 Kuopio, Finland; Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, University of Eastern Finland, P.O. 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Katja Borodulin
- National Institute for Health and Welfare, Department of Public Health Solutions, P.O. Box 30, 00271 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Liisa Tyrväinen
- Natural Resources Institute Finland, Latokartanonkaari 9, 00790 Helsinki, Finland.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
The Relationship between the Neighborhood Built Environment and Active Transportation among Adults: A Systematic Literature Review. URBAN SCIENCE 2017. [DOI: 10.3390/urbansci1030029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Active transportation (AT) has aroused great interest in recent years as it may benefit public health and reduce the dependency on cars. This article aims to summarize recent findings on the relationship between the objectively measured built environment and AT among adults, to examine if different study designs may generate different results, and to provide directions for future research. A systematic literature review of journal articles from different databases was conducted. Fifty-one articles published between 2005 and 2017 were identified, and twelve built environment factors were extracted. The results showed that residential density, land use mix, street connectivity, retail land use, walkability, sidewalk, and access to destinations had a convincing positive relationship with walking for transport. Regarding cycling for transport, while street connectivity and bike lane showed a convincing positive relationship, neighborhood aesthetics and access to destinations showed a convincing negative relationship. Studies that use different analyzed geographic units and different measurements of AT may generate different results, so choosing suitable geographic units and measurement of AT is necessary to reduce the mismatch in the relationships. In addition, we need more longitudinal studies, more studies on cycling for transport, and more studies in countries outside North America and Australasia.
Collapse
|
18
|
Investigating Impacts of Environmental Factors on the Cycling Behavior of Bicycle-Sharing Users. SUSTAINABILITY 2017. [DOI: 10.3390/su9061060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
19
|
Sun Y, Du Y, Wang Y, Zhuang L. Examining Associations of Environmental Characteristics with Recreational Cycling Behaviour by Street-Level Strava Data. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14060644. [PMID: 28617345 PMCID: PMC5486330 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14060644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Revised: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Policymakers pay much attention to effectively increasing frequency of people’s cycling in the context of developing sustainable and green cities. Investigating associations of environmental characteristics and cycling behaviour could offer implications for changing urban infrastructure aiming at encouraging active travel. However, earlier examinations of associations between environmental characteristics and active travel behaviour are limited by low spatial granularity and coverage of traditional data. Crowdsourced geographic information offers an opportunity to determine the fine-grained travel patterns of people. Particularly, Strava Metro data offer a good opportunity for studies of recreational cycling behaviour as they can offer hourly, daily or annual cycling volumes with different purposes (commuting or recreational) in each street across a city. Therefore, in this study, we utilised Strava Metro data for investigating associations between environmental characteristics and recreational cycling behaviour at a large spatial scale (street level). In this study, we took account of population density, employment density, road length, road connectivity, proximity to public transit services, land use mix, proximity to green space, volume of motor vehicles and traffic accidents in an empirical investigation over Glasgow. Empirical results reveal that Strava cyclists are more likely to cycle for recreation on streets with short length, large connectivity or low volume of motor vehicles or on streets surrounded by residential land.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yeran Sun
- Urban Big Data Centre, School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8RZ, UK.
| | - Yunyan Du
- State Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Information System, Institute of Geographic Sciences & Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Yu Wang
- Urban Studies, School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8RS, UK.
| | - Liyuan Zhuang
- Urban Studies, School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8RS, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Sun Y, Mobasheri A. Utilizing Crowdsourced Data for Studies of Cycling and Air Pollution Exposure: A Case Study Using Strava Data. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:E274. [PMID: 28282865 PMCID: PMC5369110 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14030274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
With the development of information and communications technology, user-generated content and crowdsourced data are playing a large role in studies of transport and public health. Recently, Strava, a popular website and mobile app dedicated to tracking athletic activity (cycling and running), began offering a data service called Strava Metro, designed to help transportation researchers and urban planners to improve infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians. Strava Metro data has the potential to promote studies of cycling and health by indicating where commuting and non-commuting cycling activities are at a large spatial scale (street level and intersection level). The assessment of spatially varying effects of air pollution during active travel (cycling or walking) might benefit from Strava Metro data, as a variation in air pollution levels within a city would be expected. In this paper, to explore the potential of Strava Metro data in research of active travel and health, we investigate spatial patterns of non-commuting cycling activities and associations between cycling purpose (commuting and non-commuting) and air pollution exposure at a large scale. Additionally, we attempt to estimate the number of non-commuting cycling trips according to environmental characteristics that may help identify cycling behavior. Researchers who are undertaking studies relating to cycling purpose could benefit from this approach in their use of cycling trip data sets that lack trip purpose. We use the Strava Metro Nodes data from Glasgow, United Kingdom in an empirical study. Empirical results reveal some findings that (1) when compared with commuting cycling activities, non-commuting cycling activities are more likely to be located in outskirts of the city; (2) spatially speaking, cyclists riding for recreation and other purposes are more likely to be exposed to relatively low levels of air pollution than cyclists riding for commuting; and (3) the method for estimating of the number of non-commuting cycling activities works well in this study. The results highlight: (1) a need for policymakers to consider how to improve cycling infrastructure and road safety in outskirts of cities; and (2) a possible way of estimating the number of non-commuting cycling activities when the trip purpose of cycling data is unknown.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yeran Sun
- Urban Big Data Centre, School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8RZ, UK.
| | - Amin Mobasheri
- GIScience Research Group, Institute of Geography, Heidelberg University, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|