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GIS location of walking trails in relation to respondents' homes according to their survey response about the presence or absence of walking trails in their community.
Source publication
Community trail development is an emerging strategy to increase physical activity (PA) among community residents. The purpose of this study was to assess awareness and use of trails and compare perceptions to objective data.
A telephone survey was administered to a stratified sample of adults (N = 1,112) in a southeastern county in the United State...
Context in source publication
Context 1
... kappa statistic demonstrated no agreement between trail awareness and the GIS measure of presence of trails (Kappa = 0.07). As Fig. 1 illustrates, there is an abundance of recreational trails in this southeastern community of South Carolina. Promotion of these trails has not been successfully executed, because only 56% of survey respondents reported having trails in their ...
Citations
... Research has shown that the prevalence of physical inactivity is especially high in rural areas of the United States compared to urban areas (Matthews et al., 2017). It is likely that lower incomes and limited access to exercise facilitiesincluding suitable outdoor facilities that are close to home and safeare contributors to this disparity (Brownson et al., 2004;Reed et al., 2004;Robinson et al., 2014). ...
... Perceptions of those trails may play an important role in rates of use. For example, even when trails are nearby, low-income minority individuals are less likely to use greenways or urban trails (Reed et al., 2004;Coutts & Miles, 2011). If the goal of community leaders is to provide healthy recreation for all members of the community, more insight into perceptions about these trails may be important to design them for optimal usage (Grill et al., 2020). ...
... Researchers have identified trails, as part of the integral infrastructure for physical activity [27][28][29], and trails have been found to be associated with regular physical activity participation [30,31]. Researchers have also recommended pedestrian or bicycle routes connect with destinations to promote physical activity for transportation [23,[30][31][32][33][34] and leisure physical activity. Access to recreational trails is widely accepted to influence physical activity participation among varying populations including children and youth [35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45]. ...
... Multi-use recreational trails influence adult physical activity participation [23,30,[35][36][37]48,51,52]. An understudied research topic is the impact of trails and other built environment interventions on the physical activity behaviors of children and adolescents including those living in under-resourced (also referred to as "underserved" in the literature) neighborhoods or communities [53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61]. ...
The primary purpose of this paper is to identify and review studies evaluating the effectiveness of programs to increase access to trails and trails use (physical activity) among youth from under-resourced communities. Three additional goals include identifying: (1) Correlates of physical activity/trail use and features of transportation systems and/or built environment and land use destinations, that may inform and support the planning and implementation of programs to promote trail use among youth, (2) benefits associated with trail use, and (3) barriers to trail use. Under-resourced communities are defined as those lacking sufficient resources (i.e., under-funded).
Methods:
A review of the literature was conducted to identify, abstract, and evaluate studies related to programs to promote trail use among youth and youth from under-resourced communities. In anticipation of very few studies being published about this topic, studies were also reviewed to identify correlates of transportation systems and built environment and land use destinations related to increases in physical activity, and benefits of, and barriers to trail use. PUBMED, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Sportdiscus, Annual Reviews, American Trails, and Google Scholar databases were searched using terms including trails, built environment, physical activity, exercise, walking, children, adolescents, and youth to identify studies that potentially related to the purposes for conducting this review. Review methods identified, 5278 studies based on our search terms. A review of study titles, abstracts, and select full article screens determined that 5049 studies did not meet the study inclusion criteria, leaving 221 studies included in this review.
Results:
No studies were located that evaluated programs designed to promote and increase trail use among youth, including youth from under-resourced communities. Eight studies used longitudinal or quasi-experimental designs to evaluate physical activity and neighborhood characteristics prospectively among adolescent girls (n = 1), the effects of the path or trail development on physical activity behaviors of children, youth, and adults (n = 4), marketing or media campaigns (n = 2), and wayfinding and incremental distance signage (n = 1) to promote increased trail use. Correlates of transportation systems (e.g., trail access, road traffic congestion related to safe active travel, lack of sidewalks, closer proximity to trails, access to transportation), destinations (e.g., park availability and access, park improvements, greenspaces), or both routes and destinations (e.g., perceptions of safety, lighting), were identified. These correlates may support the planning and implementation of programs to increase trail use among youth, or may facilitate the connection of trails or routes to destinations in communities. Barriers to trail use included costs, crime, lack of transportation, lack of role models using trails, and institutional discrimination.
Conclusions:
Scientific evidence in support of addressing the underrepresentation of trail use by youth from under-resourced communities is lacking. However, there is a related body of evidence that may inform how to develop programs that support trail use by youth from under-resourced areas. Dedicated, deliberate, and systematic efforts will be required to address research and knowledge gaps, and to evaluate programs and practice related to trail use among youth from low income, often racially or ethnically diverse under-resourced neighborhoods or communities.
... A confusion matrix and Cohen's Kappa-coefficient (k) were calculated for each date. The Kappa statistic has been shown to be an effective measure of a classification model in remote sensing and other scientific fields, due to its ability to evaluate the interclassifier agreement and remove the bias [148][149][150]. Kappa statistics evaluated the performance of the IS classification models by calculating the User's accuracy (Type I error or false positive) and Producer's accuracy (Type II error or false negative) for each class, the proportion of pixels correctly classified (PCC), and Kappa-coefficient of agreement. ...
Impervious surfaces (IS) produced by urbanization can facilitate pollutants’ movement to nearby water bodies through stormwater. This study mapped and estimated the IS changes in Chattanooga, Tennessee, using satellite imagery acquired in 1986 and 2016. A model was developed utilizing the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index coupled with density slicing to detect and map urbanization through IS growth. Urban growth was quantified at USGS HUC12 watershed level including stream riparian areas. The obtained results show a net growth of 45.12 km2 of IS with a heterogeneous distribution. About 9.96 km2 of this growth is within 90 m of streams, about 6% of the study site’s land cover. The Lower South Chickamauga Creek watershed experienced the largest urban growth with a change from 24.2 to 48.5 km2. Using the riparian zone percent imperviousness, a stream risk assessment model was developed to evaluate potential stream impairment due to this growth. Approximately 87, 131, and 203 km lengths of streams identified as potentially at high, very high, and extreme risks, respectively, to be impaired due to urban growth from the last 30 years. These findings would benefit to proactively implement sustainable management plans for the streams near rapidly urbanizing areas in the study site.
... In addition, the researchers applied descriptive correlation, regression, ANOVA, t-test, rho-square, Mann-Whitney U tests, Kruskal-Wallis H tests, and chi-square analysis. Three studies executed onsite observation (Troped et al., 2001;Reed et al., 2004;Liu et al., 2016). Additionally, qualitative research was conducted using grounded theory, content analysis, and thematic analysis. ...
... Additionally, qualitative research was conducted using grounded theory, content analysis, and thematic analysis. Some studies used the Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System Physical Activity (BRFSS PA) module in their research to ensure that statistical analyses of the validity sample were generalisable to the population (Brownson et al., 2000;Reed et al., 2004). Table 4 provides a detailed summary of the scores obtained in each study, including domain scores, total scores, and total percentages. ...
... Most of the respondents were aged between 18 and 55 years. Nonetheless, Reed et al. (2004) focused on adults and senior citizens up to 96 years old. Furthermore, four studies focused on university students (Brown and Raymond, 2007;Reichhart and Arnberger, 2010;Moore et al., 2012;Verliˇet al., 2015). ...
... In a review, safety, aesthetics, and the existence of parks, walking trails and recreation centers were positively associated with PA in rural residents [18]. Yet, even with the existence of these amenities, the use of trails remains low (regular use from 15 to 33%) [19][20][21]. ...
Background
Physical activity (PA) has demonstrated a decreased risk in various cancers and other chronic diseases; however, rural residents are less likely to attain recommended levels of PA compared to urban and suburban counterparts. Given rural residents make up 15% of the United States population, there is a need for novel approaches to increase PA among this population. The goal of the present study is to investigate the effectiveness of a multilevel intervention to increase PA rates among rural residents.
Methods/design
Guided by an ecological framework, a group-randomized design will be used to evaluate the effects of a three-level intervention for increasing PA among adult residents residing in 6 rural communities (n = 600) along with 6 control communities (n = 600). The intervention includes components at the individual (short message service [SMS] text messages), interpersonal (social support in walking groups), and community levels (events at existing trails). Innovative methods to encourage participation will be employed as well as a focus on life priorities (family, recreation, hobbies) other than health. Aim 1 includes a literature review and key informant interviews to determine the local contexts for intervention adaptation. Aim 2 will employ a set of interventions at the individual, interpersonal, and community-levels to evaluate their impact on moderate-to-vigorous PA as measured by self-reported (telephone survey) and objectively assessed (accelerometry) measures. These data are supplemented by location based on Global Positioning System and community audits, which provide information on recreational amenities, programs/policies, and street segments.
Discussion
This study is among the first of its kind to test a multilevel intervention in a rural setting, address life priorities that compliment health outcomes, and examine moderation between behavioral interventions and the natural environments where people are physically active. Our results will influence the field by enhancing the ability to scale-up innovative, PA interventions with the potential to reach high-risk, rural populations.
Trial registration
Clinical Trials NCT03683173, September 25, 2018.
... Previous trail-related studies focused on identifying both demographic and environmental correlates (ie, barriers to and facilitators of trail use) (9). New community walking or biking trails are often associated with increased physical activity levels (10)(11)(12)(13)(14); for example, one study demonstrated that parks with trails were more likely to be used for physical activity than parks without trails (15), and another study showed that a new walking or biking trail constructed to connect homes to destinations such as parks or shopping areas significantly increased recreational walking or bik-ing trips (16). In addition, trail users are more likely to meet physical activity recommendations than nontrail users (17). ...
... For example, the Wyoming Valley Wellness Trails Partnership helped link rural, urban, and suburban communities by constructing walking and biking trails and promoting opportunities for physical activity (27). Perceptions of the effect-PREVENTING CHRONIC DISEASE iveness of trail development align with previous findings suggesting that the presence of built environment features (eg, parks, trails, sidewalks) positively influences the physical activity levels of residents who live near these features (10)(11)(12)(13)(14). ...
... Walkability is a term that been used frequently in the planners and landscape designers research .Studies in these fields focused on the importance of walkability to define a better pedestrian walking environment [8,9,10]. The specialists are involved in the degree of safety and comfort-ability of the walking community by using environmental adjustment to benefit the pedestrian exposed to the environment [11,12,13] They agreed that specific aspects of the built environment are strongly related to the weakness or strength of walking habit . ...
In the last decades the concept of Green Transportation has become a common topic in architecture literature. Walking as a mode of Green Transportation in universities has been encouraged widely. Based on observation there are crucial issues related to the existing walking environment in Salahaddin University. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the quality of the pathways walking environment of Engineering College, University of Salahaddin in terms of Green Transportation. A survey enhanced by photographic documentations instrument has been conducted as a model of quantitative research method. The measuring scale relies on checklist factors. The findings of this paper indicates that in spite of the poor quality of pedestrian walking environment in Engineering College , University of Salahaddin ,but the complex is within the right steps towards Green Transportation.
... Another limitation of the research on trails is that self-report measures have focused on assessing MVPA. 22 Given the growing evidence that LPA may have positive health effects, examining how trails may also support LPA is important to explore. ...
Background:
Concurrent use of accelerometers and global positioning system (GPS) data can be used to quantify physical activity (PA) occurring on trails. This study examined associations of trail use with PA and sedentary behavior (SB) and quantified on trail PA using a combination of accelerometer and GPS data.
Methods:
Adults (N = 142) wore accelerometer and GPS units for 1-4 days. Trail use was defined as a minimum of 2 consecutive minutes occurring on a trail, based on GPS data. We examined associations between trail use and PA and SB. On trail minutes of light-intensity, moderate-intensity, and vigorous-intensity PA, and SB were quantified in 2 ways, using accelerometer counts only and with a combination of GPS speed and accelerometer data.
Results:
Trail use was positively associated with total PA, moderate-intensity PA, and light-intensity PA (P < .05). On trail vigorous-intensity PA minutes were 346% higher when classified with the combination versus accelerometer only. Light-intensity PA, moderate-intensity PA, and SB minutes were 15%, 91%, and 85% lower with the combination, respectively.
Conclusions:
Adult trail users accumulated more PA on trail use days than on nontrail use days, indicating the importance of these facilities for supporting regular PA. The combination of GPS and accelerometer data for quantifying on trail activity may be more accurate than accelerometer data alone and is useful for classifying intensity of activities such as bicycling.
... This figure has increased annually. A study by Reed et al (2004) found that awareness of trails was linked to use. The study found that a lack of information meant that only 33% of people living 'near' to trails were aware of them. ...
The report presents an overview of market potential and demand for a proposed long
distance walking trail along the River Trent from its source at Biddulph Moor in the
Staffordshire Moorlands through the East Midlands to its confluence with the River
Ouse where it becomes The Humber. The proposed route is 166 miles (284 km) in
length and offers the walker in search of ‘soft adventure’ a ten-day walking holiday. It
has the potential to become a major sustainable tourism product as it is within
relatively easy reach of 6 million residents.
The following key conclusions are drawn:
Evaluation of the market and discussions with practitioners indicate that the River
Trent offers considerable potential as a cross regional walking route for both local
people and visitors alike. Combining the river’s rich natural heritage and its history
as an inland navigation makes it an attractive proposition for visitors in search of
nature and heritage. There are opportunities to make the route a very sustainable
tourism product with a distinctive feature of nature reserves along every section.
The market for the proposed walking route comprises three core segments, from
the local casual stroller, to day walkers and the long-distance walkers. Each
segment has different needs and will impact differently at various locations. It is
estimated that the proposed route will attract 250,000 walkers and generate
£862,639. In terms of additionality or new spend as a result of the route being
developed, is estimated at £512,748 (taking into account the multiplier effect),
creating or sustaining 10 jobs. These figures represent a lower benchmark; as the
route matures there is likely to be an increase in new spend into the areas around
the River Trent through which the walk passes.
By far the most numerous will be local residents and visitors taking a short stroll
from home or holiday destination. The strategy indicates ways in which these
segments can best be managed to minimise social and environmental impact. In
two community surveys residents were asked how much they would value such a
route, the average figure was £12.69 per year.
Eight key principles of sustainability underpin the marketing strategy that
emphasises gradual growth, detailed monitoring and liaison with local
communities. This will strengthen the route’s position in the long term.
The marketing of the route is be set out in a three year plan which outlines the
contributions and responsibilities of partners along the route, from the public,
private and voluntary sectors.
... On environmental perception, as a rule, it has been found that subjects with more positive impressions are more likely to be physically active [28,29]. An Australian study [30], for example, examining perceptions and behaviors of adults, found that improved perceptions of accessibility to destinations and esthetics were associated with increased walking levels, which impact directly on weight status. ...
Background
Previous studies conducted in developed countries have suggested associations between perceptions of neighborhood characteristics and weight gain. However, there are few studies regarding the adult perception of the residential environment and overweight in children and adolescents in countries with low and medium income. The aim of the study was to assess the associations between caretakers’ perceptions of environmental characteristics and overweight in themselves and in their children, in a medium-sized city in Brazil. Methods
Cross-sectional study was performed with 708 children and adolescents and their caretakers. Anthropometric measurements and a structured questionnaire filled out by caretakers concerning child and family characteristics were completed. For environmental assessment, 408 caretakers answered the Portuguese version of the “Neighborhood Environment Walkability Scale” by telephone call. A 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was used in the analysis. Unadjusted prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated, as were PR adjusted for age, gender, family income, and total time of exercise the children or adolescents practiced (from Poisson regression models predicting children’s and adolescents’ overweight), and for age and family income (from Poisson regression models predicting caretakers’ overweight). Statistical significance was defined as a p value <0.05. ResultsAdult perceptions about the absence of sidewalks on most streets (PR = 0.49, 95%CI = 0.42–0.98) and the absence of interesting things to look at (esthetics) in the neighborhood (PR = 0.65, 95%CI = 0.44–0.90) were inversely associated with the prevalence of overweight in the children and adolescents after adjustment. The absence of hills in the neighborhood (PR = 1.24, 95%CI = 1.05–1.45) and the perception of heavy exhaust fumes (PR = 1.26, 95%CI = 1.02–1.56) were directly associated with the prevalence of overweight in the caretakers. Finally, the high speed of traffic on the street (PR = 0.76, 95%CI = 0.63–0.92) was inversely associated with the prevalence of adult overweight. Conclusions
The results showed, in Brazil, the importance of understanding aspects related to obesogenic environment in the context of medium-sized Brazilian cities.
