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.

Characteristics of the environmental microscale and walking and bicycling for transportation among adults in Curitiba, Paraná State, Brazil

“…A recent study in Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil 30 , evaluated the same attributes of the built and social environment around schools and found that public transportation, social environment, and overall environmental score were related to active commuting to school by preschool children (3-5 years). Two studies tested the association between the environment's characteristics (by systematic observation) and walking and bicycling in adults 8,25 . However, these studies were done in cities in the United States, where the characteristics of the environment differ greatly in comparison to Brazilian cities 34 .…”

“…These and other characteristics have been widely studied at different scales of influence by the built environment in cities (micro, meso, and macro), especially the scales related to transportationrelated physical activity 4,5,6,7 . Such characteristics include land use, street layout, presence and quality of sidewalks and bike lanes, access to public transportation, aesthetics, and public safety and security 4,6,7,8 .…”

“…However, a recent review failed to identify studies that used systematic observation of environment for this evaluation in adults 19 . Thus, the lack of precise and detailed information on the variables in the built and social microscale raises an important question for investigation in Brazilian cities 8,22 .…”

“…Data from the environmental microscale allow a detailed description of conditions in the quality of sidewalks, aesthetics, access to public transportation, lighting, and others that can be modified at low cost and in less time when compared to macroscale attributes, generally identified through geoprocessing data 5,8 .…”

“…Streetscape auditing is thus a potential option for obtaining microscale data, due to its low costs and the potential for producing precise details on urban variables 5,8 . The objectivity of the measures requires clear protocols, comprehensive auditing items, and the possibility of capturing the environment's characteristics, which are dynamic, portraying the population's daily reality and potentially affecting individual choices as to mode of transportation 25,26 .…”