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Zhang Y, Koene M, Chen C, Wagenaar C, Reijneveld SA. Associations between the built environment and physical activity in children, adults and older people: A narrative review of reviews. Prev Med 2024; 180:107856. [PMID: 38220061 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2024.107856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical activity is essential for promoting public health, and it is affected by the built environment at population level. Extensive evidence exists on the associations between the built environment and physical activity, but results are inconclusive for different age groups. Therefore, we conducted a narrative review summarizing existing reviews on the associations between the built environment and physical activity for children, adults and older people and synthesized their findings. METHODS We followed the PRISMA 2020 review procedure and searched for systematic reviews published between January 2010 and April 2022 in seven databases (Scopus, Web of Science, Medline, PsycINFO, EMBASE, SocIndex and Cochrane Library) using keywords related to the built environment, urban interventions, physical activity and health. RESULTS The selection process yielded 29 reviews with moderate to high quality. From these reviews, we identified 21 built environment characteristics, several of which were positively related to physical activity. For example, children and older people's physical activity was positively associated with pedestrian-friendly features and general safety. Furthermore, adults and older people's physical activity was positively related to the availability and accessibility of shops/commercial services and parks/open spaces. Lastly, the walkability index was positively associated with physical activity in every age group. CONCLUSION Our findings provide valuable information on creating health-promoting urban environments for practitioners. Further research is needed to understand which characteristics make urban environments age friendly for physical activity. Special attention should be paid to less explored promising characteristics such as street lighting and the quality of green spaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufang Zhang
- Management College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China; Expertise Center Architecture, Urbanism and Health, Faculty of Arts, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marijke Koene
- Expertise Center Architecture, Urbanism and Health, Faculty of Arts, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Chen Chen
- School of International Affairs and Public Administration, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China; Department of Cultural Geography, Faculty of Spatial Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Cor Wagenaar
- Expertise Center Architecture, Urbanism and Health, Faculty of Arts, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Sijmen A Reijneveld
- Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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Busen K, Sanderson M, Banks AD, Wallace H, Nechuta S. Patterns of Physical Activity and the Role of Obesity and Comorbidities Among Long-term African American Breast Cancer Survivors. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023; 10:2261-2272. [PMID: 36071314 PMCID: PMC10170401 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-022-01405-4] [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: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Physical activity (PA) has many health benefits for cancer survivors, but little research has examined patterns and correlates in African American women, who have a higher burden of comorbidities and obesity. We examined PA types and patterns overall and by obesity and comorbidities among long-term (> 5 years) breast cancer survivors. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 323 women who were previous participants of a case-only study in three southeastern states. Women completed a survivorship-focused questionnaire using validated measures to collect data on cancer treatment, PA (recreational, household, transportation) and other lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Logistic regression models estimated adjusted ORs and 95% CIs for total PA (all three types, categorized as tertiles) and meeting PA guidelines (> 150 min/week of exercise). RESULTS The mean age of women was 59.1 years (range 27.9-79.5). The most frequent PA types (≥ 1/month) included routine household cleaning (92.9%), shopping (94.7%), walking slowly (42.1%), and walking briskly (40.6%). Less than 40% met PA guidelines. Women with more total comorbidities, arthritis, and obesity had lower levels of total PA (minutes/week) and/or recreational PA. In adjusted models, BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2 was associated with reduced odds of total PA (OR = 0.33, 95% CI 0.12-0.88, highest tertile). Arthritis was associated with reduced odds of meeting PA guidelines (OR = 0.61, 95% CI 36-1.05). CONCLUSIONS Close to 60% of African American breast cancer survivors did not meet PA guidelines based on recreational PA participation. Household PA was an important source of PA. Comorbidities and obesity were associated with both reduced total PA and not meeting PA guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Busen
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Professions, Grand Valley State University, 500 Lafayette Street, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - Maureen Sanderson
- School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, 1005 Dr. DB Todd Jr. Blvd, Nashville, TN, 37208, USA
| | - Allison D Banks
- School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, 1005 Dr. DB Todd Jr. Blvd, Nashville, TN, 37208, USA
| | - Heather Wallace
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Professions, Grand Valley State University, 500 Lafayette Street, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA
| | - Sarah Nechuta
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Professions, Grand Valley State University, 500 Lafayette Street, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, USA.
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Kim EJ, Jin S. Walk Score and Neighborhood Walkability: A Case Study of Daegu, South Korea. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4246. [PMID: 36901257 PMCID: PMC10001684 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Walking is a popular physical activity that helps prevent obesity and cardiovascular diseases. The Walk Score, which measures neighborhood walkability, considers access to nine amenities using a geographic information system but does not deal with pedestrian perception. This study aims to (1) examine the correlation between access to each amenity, an individual component of the Walk Score, and perceived neighborhood walkability and (2) investigate the correlation with the perceived neighborhood walkability by adding variables of pedestrian perception to the existing Walk Score components. This study conducted a survey with 371 respondents in Daegu, South Korea, between 12 October and 8 November 2022. A multiple regression model was used to examine the correlations. The results showed no association between perceived neighborhood walkability and the individual component of the Walk Score. As variables of environmental perception, the fewer hills or stairs, the more alternative walking routes, the better separation between road and pedestrians, and the richer the green space, the more people perceived their neighborhood as walkable. This study found that the perception of the built environment had a more substantial influence on perceived neighborhood walkability than the accessibility to amenities. It proved that the Walk Score should include pedestrian perception and quantitative measurement.
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Li D, Lee C, Park AH, Lee H, Ding Y. Contextual and environmental factors that influence health: A within-subjects field experiment protocol. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1019885. [PMID: 36875421 PMCID: PMC9978705 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1019885] [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: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite the growing research on environment-physical activity (PA) relationships, field experimental studies are limited. Such studies offer opportunities to focus on real-world environmental exposure and related PA and health outcomes, allowing researchers to better isolate the causal effect of exposures/interventions. Focusing on the street/pedestrian environment as a routine setting for people's daily activities, this research aims to develop and test a field experiment protocol that integrates instantaneous assessments of the environment, PA, and health outcomes. The protocol involves the use of state-of-the-art environmental monitoring and biosensing techniques and focuses on physically active road users (pedestrians and bicyclists) who are more directly exposed to their surrounding environment than others such as drivers. Methods/Design An interdisciplinary research team first identified the target measurement domains for the health outcomes (e.g., stress, thermal comfort, PA) and the street-level environmental exposures (e.g., land use, greenery, infrastructure conditions, air quality, weather) guided by the previous literature which was primarily observational. Portable or wearable measurement instruments (e.g., GPS, accelerometer, biosensor, mini camera, smartphone app, weather station, air quality sensor) were identified, pilot tested, and selected for the identified measures. We ensured that these measures are readily linkable using the time stamp and include eye-level exposures as they impact the users' experiences more directly yet missing in most prior studies relying on secondary, aerial-level measures. A 50-min experimental route was then determined to include typical everyday environments in park and mixed-use settings and to engage participants in three common modes of transportation (walking, bicycling, and driving). Finally, a detailed staff protocol was developed, pilot-tested, and used in a 36-participant within-subject field experiment in College Station, TX. The experiment was successfully executed, showing its potential to support future field experiments that can provide more accurate real-time, real-environment, and multi-dimensional information. Discussion Our study demonstrates the feasibility of capturing the multifold health benefits/harms related to walking and bicycling in varying urban environments by combining field experiments with environmental, behavioral, and physiological sensing. Our study protocol and reflections can be helpful for a broad spectrum of research addressing the complex and multi-level pathways between the environment, behavior, and health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongying Li
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, College of Architecture, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Chanam Lee
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, College of Architecture, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Amaryllis H Park
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, College of Architecture, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Hanwool Lee
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, College of Architecture, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Yizhen Ding
- Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning, College of Architecture, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
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Zhao H, Wu M, Du Y, Zhang F, Li J. Relationship between Built-Up Environment, Air Pollution, Activity Frequency and Prevalence of Hypertension-An Empirical Analysis from the Main City of Lanzhou. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:743. [PMID: 36613066 PMCID: PMC9819356 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
In the process of promoting the strategy of a healthy China, the built environment, as a carrier of human activities, can effectively influence the health level of residents in the light of its functional types. Based on the POI data of four main urban areas in Lanzhou, this paper classifies the built environment in terms of function into four types. The association between different types of built environments and the prevalence of hypertension was investigated by using the community as the study scale, and activity frequency, air pollution and green space were used as mediating variables to investigate whether they could mediate the relationship between built environments and hypertension. The results indicate that communities with a high concentration of commercial service facilities, road and traffic facilities and industrial facilities have a relatively high prevalence of hypertension. By determining the direct, indirect and overall effects of different functional types of built environment on the prevalence of hypertension, it was learned that the construction of public management and service facilities can effectively mitigate the negative effects of hypertension in the surrounding residents. The results of the study contribute to the rational planning of the structure of the built environment, which is beneficial for optimizing the urban structure and preventing and controlling chronic diseases such as hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haili Zhao
- College of Geography and Environmental Science, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Environment and Sustainable Development of Oasis, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Minghui Wu
- College of Geography and Environmental Science, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Environment and Sustainable Development of Oasis, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yuhan Du
- College of Geography and Environmental Science, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Environment and Sustainable Development of Oasis, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Fang Zhang
- College of Geography and Environmental Science, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Environment and Sustainable Development of Oasis, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Jialiang Li
- College of Geography and Environmental Science, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
- Key Laboratory of Resource Environment and Sustainable Development of Oasis, Lanzhou 730070, China
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Zhang Y, Koene M, Reijneveld SA, Tuinstra J, Broekhuis M, van der Spek S, Wagenaar C. The impact of interventions in the built environment on physical activity levels: a systematic umbrella review. Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act 2022; 19:156. [PMID: 36550583 PMCID: PMC9773501 DOI: 10.1186/s12966-022-01399-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical activity is good for people's health. The relationship between the built environment and physical activity has been well documented. However, evidence is both scarce and scattered on specific urban interventions, i.e., intentional redesigns of the built environment that promote physical activity accompanied by pre- and post-effect measurement. This umbrella review aims to synthesize the findings of systematic reviews focused on these urban interventions. We followed the PRISMA 2020 and JBI umbrella review protocol guidelines and searched seven databases covering the period between Jan 2010 and April 2022 using keywords relating to the built environment, health, physical activity, and interventions. This yielded seven systematic reviews, in which we identified several urban interventions that can promote physical activity. We found positive effects of urban interventions on physical activity regarding park renovations, adding exercise equipment, introducing a (new) pocket park, improving cycling environments, improving walking & cycling environments, as well as multi-component initiatives for active travel and enhancing the availability & accessibility of destinations. The findings suggest that the urban environment can effectively promote physical activity, especially by adding various facilities and destinations and by making the environment better suitable for active use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufang Zhang
- Expertise Center Architecture, Urbanism and Health, Faculty of Arts, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Marijke Koene
- Expertise Center Architecture, Urbanism and Health, Faculty of Arts, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Sijmen A Reijneveld
- Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jolanda Tuinstra
- Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Manda Broekhuis
- Department of Operations, Faculty of Economics & Business, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Stefan van der Spek
- Department of Urbanism, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Cor Wagenaar
- Expertise Center Architecture, Urbanism and Health, Faculty of Arts, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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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.
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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
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Association between built environments and quality of life among community residents: mediation analysis of air pollution. Public Health 2022; 211:75-80. [PMID: 36030597 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2022.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between built environments and quality of life (QoL), and the mediating role of air pollution in that relationship. STUDY DESIGN This was a cross-sectional population-based study. METHODS Data of 5196 adults residing in 148 communities in three cities in Liaoning Province, China, were analyzed. Objective measures of traffic design included street connectivity, road network density, bus station density, and parking lot density; residential greenness was controlled as a confounder. QoL was evaluated using the 12-Item Short Form Health Survey. The average concentrations of PM2.5 and SO2 one month before QoL collection for each community were calculated. RESULTS Road network density and parking lot density were negatively associated with the Physical Component Summary (PCS), but street connectivity was positively associated with PCS for the participants. Bus station density, street connectivity, and parking lot density were negatively associated with the Mental Component Summary (MCS), and PM2.5 and SO2 mediated this association. In addition, gender and road network density and parking lot density had an interactive effect on the MCS of the participants. CONCLUSIONS Dense traffic affects people's health not only directly but also indirectly through air pollution. The effects of built environments and air pollution should be considered when building healthy, supportive communities, and healthy cities.
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