title: Contribution of streetscape audits to explanation of physical activity in four age groups based on the Microscale Audit of Pedestrian Streetscapes (MAPS).
abstract: Ecological models of physical activity emphasize the effects of environmental influences. "Microscale" streetscape features that may affect pedestrian experience have received less research attention than macroscale walkability (e.g., residential density). The Microscale Audit of Pedestrian Streetscapes (MAPS) measures street design, transit stops, sidewalk qualities, street crossing amenities, and features impacting aesthetics. The present study examined associations of microscale attributes with multiple physical activity (PA) measures across four age groups. Areas in the San Diego, Seattle, and the Baltimore metropolitan areas, USA, were selected that varied on macro-level walkability and neighborhood income. Participants (n = 3677) represented four age groups (children, adolescents, adults, older adults). MAPS audits were conducted along a 0.25 mile route along the street network from participant residences toward the nearest non-residential destination. MAPS data were collected in 2009-2010. Subscale and overall summary scores were created. Walking/biking for transportation and leisure/neighborhood PA were measured with age-appropriate surveys. Objective PA was measured with accelerometers. Mixed linear regression analyses were adjusted for macro-level walkability. Across all age groups 51.2%, 22.1%, and 15.7% of all MAPS scores were significantly associated with walking/biking for transport, leisure/neighborhood PA, and objectively-measured PA, respectively. Supporting the ecological model principle of behavioral specificity, destinations and land use, streetscape, street segment, and intersection variables were more related to transport walking/biking, while aesthetic variables were related to leisure/neighborhood PA. The overall score was related to objective PA in children and older adults. Present findings provide strong evidence that microscale environment attributes are related to PA across the lifespan. Improving microscale features may be a feasible approach to creating activity-friendly environments.
authors.affiliation: University of California, United States. Electronic address: kcain@ucsd.edu.
authors.forename: Kelli L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Cain
authors.affiliation: San Diego State University/University of California San Diego, United States.
authors.forename: Rachel A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Millstein
authors.affiliation: University of California, United States.
authors.forename: James F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Sallis
authors.affiliation: University of California, United States.
authors.forename: Terry L
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Conway
authors.affiliation: University of California, United States.
authors.forename: Kavita A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Gavand
authors.affiliation: Urban Design 4 Health, Inc., University of British Columbia, Canada.
authors.forename: Lawrence D
authors.initials: LD
authors.lastname: Frank
authors.affiliation: University of Washington, United States.
authors.forename: Brian E
authors.initials: BE
authors.lastname: Saelens
authors.affiliation: University of California, United States.
authors.forename: Carrie M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Geremia
authors.affiliation: Urban Design 4 Health, Inc., United States.
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chapman
authors.affiliation: Arizona State University, United States.
authors.forename: Marc A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Adams
authors.affiliation: University of Pennsylvania, United States.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Glanz
authors.affiliation: Stanford University, United States.
authors.forename: Abby C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: King
mesh_terms: D061725:Accelerometry; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001642:Bicycling; D002648:Child; D002958:City Planning / Q000379:methods*; D004777:Environment; D004779:Environment Design; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D016138:Walking
keywords: Adolescents; Built environment; Children; City planning; Direct observation; Older adults; United States; Walkability