Objectively measuring the association between the built environment and physical activity-identifying the gaps: a systematic review and reporting framework

Oral Presentation B2.6

Authors

  • Francesca Pontin University of Leeds
  • Victoria Jenneson University of Leeds
  • Nik Lomax University of Leeds
  • Graham Clarke University of Leeds
  • Michelle Morris University of Leeds

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.491

Keywords:

Built Environment, Objective Measures, Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: We know the environment in which we live and interact plays an important role in our opportunity for and ability to be physically active. However, studies investigating the strength and direction of these objectively measured relationships find conflicting outcomes. Different reporting practices and standards between disciplines and countries cause problems for study comparability, and subsequent difficulty in concluding the level of influence of built environment on physical activity. Purpose: To summarise the current body of knowledge and knowledge gaps around the impact of objectively measure built environment metrics on physical activity levels in adults and to devise a reporting framework for the evaluation of current studies and to improve future inter-study comparability. Methods: A systematic review was conducted on multiple health, geography, transportation, and social sciences databases. Study characteristics, methods of objectively recording physical activity and built environment were recorded and study outcomes compared. These findings were used to devise a reporting framework. Results: Following PRISMA guidelines 100 papers, composed of 66 unique studies, were included in the final review. Studies spanned 17 OECD countries and ranged between 10 to 65,967 participants. The range of built environment metrics and physical activity definitions used across the included studies were visualised to identify reporting gaps. Moreover, each study was scored against the reporting framework criteria to assess reproducibility and comparability. Conclusions: The introduction of a framework that allows comparability of studies, whilst also introducing a consistent reporting structure, is highly advantageous in identify key gaps in reporting and improving future comparability. Funding: ESRC: Data Analytics and Society Centre for Doctoral Training (ES/R501062/1).

Published

2021-09-30

How to Cite

Pontin, F., Jenneson, V., Lomax, N., Clarke, G., & Morris, M. (2021). Objectively measuring the association between the built environment and physical activity-identifying the gaps: a systematic review and reporting framework: Oral Presentation B2.6. The Health & Fitness Journal of Canada, 14(3). https://doi.org/10.14288/hfjc.v14i3.491