Neighbourhood walkability associated with initiation of, and adherence to, a pedometer-based physical activity intervention among inactive Canadian adults
Date
2019-08-12
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Abstract
Consistent evidence suggests that the built environment can influence physical activity. However, the extent to which the neighbourhood built environment constrains or amplifies the effectiveness of physical activity interventions is understudied. The aim of this thesis was to investigate the role of the neighbourhood built environment in constraining or facilitating the effectiveness of a 12-week internet-facilitated pedometer-based physical activity intervention (UWALK) among inactive adults. Specifically, this thesis examined the effects of the objectively-measured neighbourhood built environment (i.e., walkability estimated via Walk ScoreĀ®) and the self-reported (perceived) neighbourhood built environment on adoption of, adherence to the UWALK intervention, and levels of pedometer-measured physical activity. A quasi-experiment was undertaken in Calgary between May 2016 and August 2017 which included 573 inactive adults. Self-reported walkability was positively associated with pedometer-measured physical activity. Walk ScoreĀ® was not significantly associated with pedometer-measured physical activity. Neither objectively-measured walkability or perceived walkability were significantly associated with UWALK adoption or adherence outcomes. Strategies for targeting neighbourhood perceptions may improve the effectiveness of physical activity interventions.
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Keywords
pedometer; intervention; built environment; physical activity; walkability
Citation
Consoli, A. (2019). Neighbourhood walkability associated with initiation of, and adherence to, a pedometer-based physical activity intervention among inactive Canadian adults (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.