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Examining the Associations between Walk Score, Perceived Built Environment, and Physical Activity Behaviors among Women Participating in a Community-Randomized Lifestyle Change Intervention Trial: Strong Hearts, Healthy Communities

Author

Listed:
  • Brian K. Lo

    (Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA)

  • Meredith L. Graham

    (Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA)

  • Sara C. Folta

    (Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, Boston, MA 02111, USA)

  • Lynn C. Paul

    (College of Education, Health and Human Development, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT 59717, USA)

  • David Strogatz

    (Bassett Healthcare Network, Cooperstown, NY 13326, USA)

  • Miriam E. Nelson

    (Hampshire College, Amherst, MA 01002, USA)

  • Stephen A. Parry

    (Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA)

  • Michelle E. Carfagno

    (Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA)

  • David Wing

    (Exercise and Physical Activity Resource Center, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA)

  • Michael Higgins

    (Exercise and Physical Activity Resource Center, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA)

  • Rebecca A. Seguin

    (Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA)

Abstract

Little is known about the relationship between perceived and objective measures of the built environment and physical activity behavior among rural populations. Within the context of a lifestyle-change intervention trial for rural women, Strong Hearts, Healthy Communities (SHHC), we examined: (1) if Walk Score (WS), an objective built environment measure, was associated with perceived built environment (PBE); (2) if WS and PBE were associated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA); and (3) if MVPA changes were modified by WS and/or PBE. Accelerometers and questionnaires were used to collect MVPA and PBE. Bivariate analyses and linear mixed models were used for statistical analyses. We found that WS was positively associated with perceived proximity to destinations ( p < 0.001) and street shoulder availability ( p = 0.001). MVPA was generally not associated with WS or PBE. Compared to controls, intervention group participants increased MVPA if they lived in communities with the lowest WS (WS = 0), fewer perceived walkable destinations, or extremely safe perceived traffic (all p < 0.05). Findings suggest that WS appears to be a relevant indicator of walkable amenities in rural towns; results also suggest that the SHHC intervention likely helped rural women with the greatest dearth of built environment assets to improve MVPA.

Suggested Citation

  • Brian K. Lo & Meredith L. Graham & Sara C. Folta & Lynn C. Paul & David Strogatz & Miriam E. Nelson & Stephen A. Parry & Michelle E. Carfagno & David Wing & Michael Higgins & Rebecca A. Seguin, 2019. "Examining the Associations between Walk Score, Perceived Built Environment, and Physical Activity Behaviors among Women Participating in a Community-Randomized Lifestyle Change Intervention Trial: Str," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-16, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:5:p:849-:d:212218
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bradley Bereitschaft, 2018. "Walk Score® versus residents’ perceptions of walkability in Omaha, NE," Journal of Urbanism: International Research on Placemaking and Urban Sustainability, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 11(4), pages 412-435, October.
    2. William Riggs, 2017. "Walkability: to quantify or not to quantify," Journal of Urbanism: International Research on Placemaking and Urban Sustainability, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 10(1), pages 125-127, January.
    3. Brian K. Lo & Emily H. Morgan & Sara C. Folta & Meredith L. Graham & Lynn C. Paul & Miriam E. Nelson & Nicolette V. Jew & Laurel F. Moffat & Rebecca A. Seguin, 2017. "Environmental Influences on Physical Activity among Rural Adults in Montana, United States: Views from Built Environment Audits, Resident Focus Groups, and Key Informant Interviews," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-13, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Elaine Yee-Sing Wong & Andy H. Lee & Anthony P. James & Jonine Jancey, 2019. "Recreational Centres’ Facilities and Activities to Support Healthy Ageing in Singapore," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-15, September.
    2. Jairo León-Quismondo & José Bonal & Pablo Burillo & Álvaro Fernández-Luna, 2020. "Walkability and Fitness Center Prices, Opening Hours, and Extra Services: The Case of Madrid, Spain," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-10, August.

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